Describe the process of DNA replication

During DNA replication, the enzyme DNA helicase separates the two strands by breaking the hydrogen bonds between bases of each strand. Activated DNA nucleotides hydrogen bond with the exposed complementary bases of the template strand, in the pairs adenine (A) & thymine (T), and guanine (G) & cytosine (C). The enzyme DNA polymerase forms the sugar-phosphate backbone of the new strand by creating phosphodiester bonds between the adjacent nucleotides.DNA replication is semi-conservative because each daughter molecule contains one DNA strand that is newly-synthesised, and one that is from the parent molecule.(Could include labelled diagram to illustrate points)

DH
Answered by Dani H. Biology tutor

2970 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

The epithelial cells in the lungs are arranged into alveoli. Explain how the alveoli create a surface for efficient gaseous exchange.


Describe how a neurotransmitter, such as acetylcholine, is released from a brain cell.


Explain why the atrioventricular valves open and close during the cardiac cycle.


What is a phospholipid and how does it form part of the cell membrane?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences