DNA Replication Steps
The important steps involved in DNA replication are as follows:
Initiation of DNA Replication
The replication process starts at a specific sites on the DNA molecule called origins of replication. Enzymes, known as helicases, unwind and separate the DNA strands, creating a DNA Replication fork. An RNA primer is synthesized by an enzyme called primase. This primer provides a starting point for DNA polymerase to attach nucleotides.
DNA Polymerization (Elongation)
DNA polymerase adds complementary nucleotides to the template strand. DNA polymerase only adds nucleotides in one direction that is the 5′ to 3′ direction, creating the new DNA strand in a 3′ to 5′ direction. The leading strand is synthesized continuously, following the replication fork movement. The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in small fragments called Okazaki fragments. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to each fragment, with the help of RNA primers. After Okazaki fragments are synthesized, DNA polymerase replaces RNA primers with DNA and seals the gaps between fragments using DNA ligase.
Termination of DNA Replication
Replication continues bi directionally until both replication forks meet, completing the synthesis of the entire DNA molecule. The entire process is semi-conservative as each of the two copies consists of an original strand paired with a newly synthesized strand.
DNA Replication
DNA replication is a fundamental biological process by which a cell duplicates its entire DNA. DNA is a self-replicating structure and the replication is catalyzed by enzymes. Through DNA Replication, genetic information is passed on from one generation of cells to the next during cell division. It takes place in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
Contact Us