Describe The Process Of Dna Replication And Its Importance.

When a cell divides it is important that DNA is accurately replicated to allow the genetic information to be passed down into the new daughter cells. Because of this, DNA replication occurs in a semi-conservative fashion. This means that when DNA is replicated, two new copies of DNA are created, with each one conserving information from one half of the original DNA molecule. The main process of DNA replication can be split into three main steps:InitiationDNA is structured as a double helix. In order for the process of DNA replication to begin, the two strands of this double helix must be separated. This is achieved by the enzyme known as DNA helicase. DNA helicase is able to break the hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases which connect the two strands . This splitting of the strands allows each strand to act as a template, with free nucleotides being exposed, ready for elongation.ElongationDuring elongation, a complementary primer sequence is added to the template strands by the enzyme Primase. Another enzyme, known as DNA polymerase then continues along the strand in the 5` to 3` direction, adding the corresponding nucleotide to each base (A-T, G-C). This reforms the hydrogen bonds between bases as well as the sugar-phosphate backbone.Termination Once DNA polymerase reaches a section of DNA that has already been replicated, it falls off. However, unattached sections of the sugar-phosphate backbone will still remain and these must be sealed together by the enzyme DNA ligase This resource was uploaded by: Lauren