How does DNA replicate?

Question

I would like to know the process step by step.

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

first of all the DNA begins to unzip itself from the double stranded double helix that it is in. The bases unpair themselves as an enzyme breaks the hydrogen bonds between them and are now left exposed to the inside of the nucleus. Within the nucleus there are individual nucleotide molecules floating around. These are complementary to the bases of the DNA. These join together onto the old strand of DNA, with a backbone coming together to make a strand of DNA that is complementary to one of the original strands of DNA, using an enzyme called DNA polymerase to create the hydrogen bonds between the bases...... Then the new strand and the old strand wind together into a helix, and so does the other old strand with its new strand. And so DNA replication is called semi conservative replication because each new helix conserves one of the strands from the old helix

hope that answers a bit- not sure at what level you want the answer or how much existing knowledge you have of DNA