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Explain how DNA replication works using steps

Question

Explain how DNA replication works using steps

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Solution

Sure, here is a step-by-step explanation of how DNA replication works:

  1. Initiation: The DNA replication process begins at specific points in the DNA known as "origins." At these origins, proteins bind to the DNA and separate the two strands, creating a replication bubble. The replication bubble expands laterally, unwinding the DNA helix. This unwinding is done by an enzyme called helicase.

  2. Elongation: Once the DNA strands are separated, another protein called RNA primase adds a short sequence of RNA to the DNA strand. This RNA sequence acts as a primer for the enzyme DNA polymerase. DNA polymerase starts adding new nucleotides to the RNA primer, following the base pairing rules (A with T, and G with C). This process occurs in the 5' to 3' direction.

  3. Leading and Lagging Strands: The DNA polymerase synthesizes a leading strand continuously and a lagging strand in fragments known as Okazaki fragments. The leading strand is synthesized in the same direction as the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized in the opposite direction.

  4. Termination: Once the entire DNA molecule has been replicated, an enzyme called exonuclease removes the RNA primers and replaces them with DNA. Another enzyme, DNA ligase, connects the Okazaki fragments of the lagging strand.

  5. Proofreading: DNA polymerase also has a proofreading function. If an incorrect base is added during replication, DNA polymerase can detect the error and replace the incorrect base with the correct one. This ensures the accuracy of DNA replication.

  6. Completion: At the end of replication, two identical DNA molecules have been produced from the original DNA molecule. Each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. This is known as semi-conservative replication.

This is a simplified explanation of the process. In reality, DNA replication is a complex process involving many different proteins and enzymes.

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