The steps of DNA replication always begin by separating a twisted strand into two untwisted molecular strands. It happens in the specific area of a chromosome known as the “origins". The origins contain a series of codes that attract the helicase, a protein that aids in the separation of the strands. Once the helicase locates the origins, it sends out signals inside the cell for other replication initiator proteins to help out in the separation. DNA strands are being separated by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide base pairs, such as those of adenine (A) and thymine (T), and guanine (G) and cytosine (C).
Step 2: Replication Fork Formation
Splitting the original double helix into two strands visually presents a Y-shaped formation known as the replication fork. Each prong appears as an elongated line that requires an identical half to match in order to form a new pair of strands. One of the separated strands is called the leading strand, which is constantly utilized for DNA synthesis while the lagging strand is responsible for the complimentary strand’s synthesis.
Step 3: Binding of Bases to Each Strand
Both leading strand and lagging strand already has base patterns from the start and it serves as the template for the corresponding strands. For each strand, the bases match with the free floating nucleotides present inside the cell following the nucleotide base pairing rules to establish the hydrogen bonding between a separated strand and a new matching strand. It is made possible by the DNA polymerase, an enzyme that functions like a sewing machine in matching and zipping both strands together.
The replication process does not result to a brand new chain of DNA. It is always a mixture of both the original strand that is conserved as a partner all throughout the continuous steps of DNA replication process and the recently made strand. This process is recognized as the semiconservative replication.
Step 4: The Termination of the Replication Process
The termination process occurs as soon as the DNA polymerase enzyme arrived at the edge of the strands where no more possible replication could occur. But before the process is completed, it goes through the process of repair to correct errors such as mismatching of nucleotides. After this step, the DNA replication is completed.
Explanation:
In molecular biology, DNA replication is the biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule. This process occurs in all living organisms and is the basis for biological inheritance.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polymeric molecule implicated in various biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. RNA and DNA are nucleic acids, and, along with proteins and carbohydrates, constitute the three major macromolecules essential for all known forms of life
