Describe the process of eukaryotic DNA replication

DNA helicase unzips and unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs. This exposes the bases on two strands creating template strands. Free floating nucleotides are attracted to the exposed bases and bond to them via complementary base pairing (adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine). DNA polymerase then joins the new nucleotides together in a series of condensation reactions forming phosphodiester bonds in the sugar-phosphate bakcbone.Two new DNA strands are made, each with one old strand and one new one therefore DNA is said to be replicated semi-conservatively.

LB
Answered by Louis B. Biology tutor

10891 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the structure of an amino acid and how a peptide bond forms between two amino acids.


The actual size of a microrganism is 3.6 micrometres and the image size is 9 cm, what is the magnification of the diagram?


What is the key difference between the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?


What is the structure of an animal cell?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning