DNA Replication

DNA is a molecule which carries instructions, or a blueprint, for the construction and behaviour of cells and the way in which they grow together to form a complete living organism.

DNA also has the ability to make perfect copies of itself, over and over again.

DNA has two major functions in the cell:-

• Replication, in dividing cells
• Carrying Information for Protein Synthesis in all cells

Chromosomes must make copies of themselves so that when cells divide, each daughter cell must receive an exact copy of the genetic information. This copying of DNA is called Replication and takes place in a cell during interphase.

Replication :-

• The Hydrogen bonds holding the base pairs together break and the two halves of the molecule seperate.
• DNA unwinds and as the strands seperate DNA Polymerase catalyses the addition of free nucleotides to the exposed bases
• Each chain acts as a template so that free nucleotides can be joined to their complementary bases by the enzyme, DNA polymerase.
• The result…