Question

Describe the process of DNA replication with the help of a diagram.

Answer 1

DNA replication is the basis of biological inheritance in all living beings. The process gives rise to two identical replicas of the original DNA molecule. Replication begins at specific locations in the genome and the unwinding of DNA occurs with the help of the enzyme helicase and gyrase. The new strand synthesis takes place in the 5'-3' direction by the enzyme DNA polymerase. The synthesis of new strands is bidirectional. One of the strand is known as the leading strand and the other is the lagging strand where there is need of an RNA primer to initiate the process. The two copies of the DNA which are synthesised are equally distributed to the two new cells which are formed after cell division. This process takes place in the S-phase of the interphase.