BRAINCAKEDNA Replication
DNA is copied before a cell divides, during interphase, so that each daughter cell receives an identical copy. Replication is semi-conservative.
The steps are:
1. The enzyme DNA helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases, so the double helix unwinds and the two strands separate.
2. Each original strand acts as a template.
3. Free, activated DNA nucleotides in the nucleus are attracted to their complementary exposed bases (A to T, C to G) and are held by hydrogen bonds.
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Key terms in this lesson
- antiparallel
- Describes two strands of a double helix running in opposite directions, one 5' to 3' and the other 3' to 5'.
More in DNA, Genes and Protein Synthesis
- Nucleic Acids
- Phosphodiester Bonds
- Complementary Base Pairing
- Evidence for Semi-Conservative DNA Replication
- The Genetic Code
- Types of RNA
- mRNA
- tRNA
All 20 lessons in DNA, Genes and Protein Synthesis · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics