DNA replication produces two identical DNA strands from one original DNA strand. The DNA unwinds and separates, with binding proteins holding the strands apart. As the replication fork moves along the DNA, the leading strand is synthesized continuously by DNA polymerase. The lagging strand is synthesized in pieces called Okazaki fragments, which are later joined by ligase. After replication is complete, two identical DNA double helices exist to maintain genetic information as cells divide.