DNA replication involves converting a single DNA helix into two identical copies through a semi-conservative process. Helicase splits and unwinds the DNA strands. Nucleotides are then added in the 5' to 3' direction by DNA polymerase III to the new strands based on base pairing rules, with A joining to T and C joining to G. The leading strand is synthesized continuously while the lagging strand is formed in fragments called Okazaki fragments that are later joined by DNA ligase.