DNA Replication
Replication-process in which one DNA molecule is copied , the
end result being two identical DNA molecules.
-replication must occur before cells
divide, so each new cell has a copy of the original cell’s DNA
Here’s how replication works:
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1. An enzyme breaks the weak
hydrogen bonds between the nitrogen bases of the DNA molecule. |
A-T T-A C-G C-G G-C A-T A-T A T T A G C G C T A |
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2. Free floating nucleotides
bond with the exposed nitrogen bases. |
A-T T-A C-G C-G G-C A T A T A T T A C C G-C G-C T-A T-A |
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3. When DNA polymerase (the
enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to the exposed bases) finishes
copying both sides of the DNA molecule, the result is two new, identical DNA
molecules. |
A-T T-A C-G C-G G-C A-T A-T A-T T-A G-C G-C T-A |
A-T T-A C-G C-G G-C A-T A-T A-T T-A G-C G-C T-A |
