DNA Replication
This lesson covers:
DNA replication DNA is copied via a process known as semi-conservative replication. This produces DNA molecules consisting of one original DNA strand and one newly synthesised DNA strand. |
 2. The enzyme DNA helicase breaks hydrogen bonds between complementary bases. This unwinds the double helix and separates the strands.  3. Each strand acts as a template as free nucleotides attract to their complementary bases. Adenine pairs with thymine, while cytosine pairs with guanine.  4. The enzyme DNA polymerase joins the free nucleotides together via condensation reactions in the 5' to 3' direction. This forms phosphodiester bonds to create the sugar-phosphate backbone of the new DNA strand.  5. Two identical copies of DNA are made. Each copy is made up of one original DNA strand and one new DNA strand (semi-conservative replication).  |