DNA replication involves the separation of the double helix into two single strands, each serving as a template for reconstruction of the complementary strand. This process ensures each cell receives a complete copy of the DNA when the cell divides. Replication occurs at specific points called replication forks and is carried out by enzymes that unzip the strands and add nucleotides to reconstruct the complementary strands, with DNA polymerase being the principal enzyme responsible.

1. DNA
Replication
BIOLOGY II
CAZARES MENDEZ ADRIANA
R O S A L E S J I M E N E Z PA M E L A
ROSAS HERRERA BENNE ERANDI
V I L L A N U E VA A G U I L A R J O R G E A L B E R T O

2. Background Information.
Watson and Crick discovered DNA’s structure: the double
helix.
 This structure explained how DNA was copied or
replicated.
 Each strand of the double helix can reconstruct another
strand by the mechanism of base pairing.
 These strands are said to be complementary.

3. Key Concept
During DNA Replication, the DNA molecule
separates into two strands. Then, following the rules
of base pairing, it produces two complementary
strands. Each strand of the double helix of DNA
serves as a template, or model for the new stand.

5. Process of DNA replication
 DNA replication takes place before cell division. This
ensures that each new cell has a complete set of DNA.
 In prokaryotes, it begins at a single point in a
chromosome and proceeds often in two directions until the
entire chromosome is replicated.
 In eukaryotes, it occurs at hundreds of places, proceeds
in both directions too until each chromosome is copied.
 These areas in which separation and replication occur
are called: replication forks.

7. Who makes DNA replication possible
DNA replication is carried out by a series of enzymes.
These enzymes unzip a molecule of DNA.
Unzipping occurs when hydrogen bonds between the base
pairs are broken and two strands of the molecule
unwind.
The principal enzyme involved in this process is called
DNA polymerase.
It joins individual nucleotides to produce a DNA molecule
(polymer). DNA polymerase also “proofreads” each new
DNA strand to make sure it is a perfect copy of the
original strand.

9. How do you eat a DNA
JOKES spaghetti?
-With a replication fork (you
can also use your zinc
fingers...)