1. Unwinding: The double-helix structure of DNA is unzipped by an enzyme called helicase, separating the two strands.
2. Primer Binding: Short sequences of RNA called primers attach to the unwound strands, providing a starting point for DNA synthesis.
3. Elongation: An enzyme called DNA polymerase uses the original strands as templates to build new complementary strands. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides (building blocks of DNA) to the primer, following base pairing rules (A with T, C with G).
4. Proofreading: DNA polymerase has a built-in proofreading mechanism to ensure accuracy, minimizing errors in replication.
5. Termination: Once the entire DNA molecule is replicated, the process is terminated.
Outcome: The result of DNA replication is two identical DNA molecules, each with one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete and accurate copy of the genetic information when the cell divides.
Important Note: This process is crucial for cell division and for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. Any errors in DNA replication can lead to mutations that can have various consequences for the cell and the organism.
