How does DNA replicate?

Answer 1

DNA replication or DNA synthesis is the process of copying a double-stranded DNA molecule. This process is paramount to all life as we know it. The DNA replication involves copying the genetic material and passing it on to daughter cells, therefore the process is important in continuation of life.

A DNA molecule is a long polymer consisting of two strands, each composed of repeating units called nucleotides. These two strands entwine like vines and make a form called a double helix. A DNA molecule can assume three forms, called A, B and Z DNA molecule, but the most commonly found is the B form. The two strands that make up DNA are antiparallel and are also complementary to each other. Antiparallel means that one strand is read in a 5' → 3' direction, while the opposite strand is read in a 3' → 5' direction (5' and 3' each mark one end of a strand). As said earlier, each strand is composed of nucleotides which base pair with each other and form pairs such as A::T and C:::G (two dots between A and T indicate that they are bound by two hydrogen bonds, and three dots between G and C indicate the presence of three hydrogen bonds). This means that the strand running in the 5'→ 3' direction will have base A that will pair with base T on the opposite strand running in 3'→ 5' direction. This means that these two strands are antiparallel to each other and are also complementary.

The main goal of DNA synthesis is to unwind and separate a single DNA molecule and copy its two strands, resulting in two new DNA molecules. To accomplish this task DNA replicating machinery is assembled.

Since DNA strands are antiparallel and complementary, each strand can serve as a template for the reproduction of the opposite strand. The template strand is preserved as a whole piece and the new strand is assembled from nucleotide triphosphates. This process is called semiconservative replication. Ideally, the two resulting strands are identical, although in reality there are always errors, though proofreading and error-checking mechanisms exist to ensure a very high level of fidelity.

Answer 2

Basic steps of DNA replication:
1. Enzymes "unzip" the DNA molecule down the middle, separating the pairs of nitrogen bases.
2. More enzymes match and attach new nucleotides to the unzipped bases to fill in the empty places. The sugars and phosphates of these new pieces are bonded to make a new complementary side for the DNA molecule.
3. When all the bases have been matched, the two new DNA molecules wind up into the classic double helix.

Each original DNA molecule makes two identical DNA molecules through this method. Each resulting DNA has one side that is from the original DNA and one side that was assembled during the process. (semiconservative)

Answer 3

The technical term is "semi-conservatively." An enzyme called DNA polymerase splits apart the two antiparallel strands. It then goes to work on each strand, using free nucleotides to make the appropriate pairings, converting the individual single strands into "daughter" double stranded DNA. So each daughter molecule contains one strand from the "parent" and one new strand. There are additional subtleties, which you should be able to read in most biology/biochemistry textbooks.

Answer 4

The simple explanation is that the DNA unwinds and unzips. The two strands come apart, and special enzymes (which are a type of protein) come along and copy it by adding the complimentary bases. You end up with two double-stranded DNA that are both exactly like the original one.

Answer 5

it replicates as quickly as in each cellular, that is termed the code. it replicates utilising dna polymerase to unzip the double-stranded dna and then the unfastened floating nucleotides connect with it to make complementary strands.

Answer 6

its split apart by dna helicase and then dna polymerase attaches nucleotides to it. of course there is much more

Answer 7

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/D/DNAReplication.html