REPLICATION OF DNA
DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA, ensuring that each new cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. Here’s a concise overview of the process: Steps in DNA Replication: Initiation : Origin of Replication : Replication begins at specific sites called origins of replication. Unwinding : Enzymes called helicases unwind the DNA double helix, creating replication forks. Priming : RNA Primase synthesizes short RNA primers complementary to the single-stranded DNA. These primers provide a starting point for DNA synthesis. Elongation : DNA Polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, extending from the RNA primer. It synthesizes new DNA in the 5' to 3' direction. The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments, which are later joined by DNA ligase. Termination : Replication continues until the entire DNA molecule is copied. Specifi...