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

3437 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how an action potential is transmitted across a synapse


Give two ways in which the presence of synapses are advantageous to the nervous system.


Give 3 ways in which the properties of ATP make it a suitable source of energy in biological processes.


What is Glycolysis?


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