Which of the following processes does NOT directly involve DNA?

The process that does not directly involve DNA is SOP development. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are documented processes that outline the steps required to perform a specific task or procedure in a consistent manner. While SOPs may describe techniques that involve DNA, such as amplification or sequencing, the development and writing of these procedures themselves do not engage with or manipulate DNA directly.

In contrast, transcription and translation are fundamental processes in molecular biology that involve the direct use of DNA. Transcription is the process by which messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized from a DNA template, leading to the formation of RNA that will later be translated into proteins. Translation is the subsequent process where the mRNA is decoded by ribosomes to synthesize proteins. Gel electrophoresis, although primarily a technique used to separate nucleic acids or proteins, is based on properties derived from DNA or RNA, as it is commonly used to visualize these biomolecules directly. Thus, SOP development stands apart as it is more of an administrative or procedural aspect rather than a biological process involving DNA.