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)

Answered by Dani H. Biology tutor

2730 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of phagocytosis


Outline the process of mitosis


Describe how ATP is generated in the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis.


Describe and explain how the lac Operon allows E coli bacteria to adapt to a new environment.


We're here to help

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