Requirements for DNA Replication

Requirements for DNA Replication

Introduction to DNA Replication

• DNA replication is the process by which a cell creates an identical copy of its DNA.
• This complex process involves several key components and steps to ensure accuracy and fidelity.

1. Original DNA Template

• DNA serves as the original template for replication.
• DNA is a double helix consisting of two complementary strands.
• Each strand can be used as a template to create a new DNA molecule.
• The existing DNA strands provide the necessary instructions for synthesising new strands.

2. Free DNA Nucleotides

• Free DNA nucleotides are essential for forming the new DNA strands.
• These nucleotides include adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
• During replication, these free nucleotides pair with their complementary bases on the template strand.

3. DNA Polymerase

• DNA polymerase is a critical enzyme involved in DNA replication.
• It adds new nucleotides to the growing strand of DNA.
• DNA polymerase ensures that the new DNA strands are complementary to the template strands.

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Requirements for DNA Replication

4. Primers

• Primers are short strands of nucleotides that play a crucial role in DNA replication.
• They bind to the 3' end of the template DNA strand.
• This binding allows DNA polymerase to attach and start adding free DNA nucleotides.
• Primers serve as a starting point for DNA synthesis.

The DNA Replication Process

• DNA replication begins with the separation of the original DNA strands.
• DNA polymerase attaches to the single-stranded template, guided by primers.
• Free DNA nucleotides are added by DNA polymerase, creating complementary strands.
• This process continues in both directions along the DNA strands, resulting in two complete and identical DNA molecules.