What steps take place during DNA replication
Nucleus takes place during DNA replication.
During DNA replication, several steps occur to ensure accurate duplication of the DNA molecule. Here are the main steps involved in DNA replication:
1. Initiation: The process starts with the unwinding of the DNA double helix, which is achieved by an enzyme called DNA helicase. It breaks the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs, separating the two strands and creating a replication fork.
2. Priming: Before DNA replication can begin, a short RNA primer is synthesized by an enzyme called primase. This primer provides a starting point for DNA synthesis.
3. Elongation: DNA polymerase enzymes bind to the primers and start synthesizing new DNA strands in the 5' to 3' direction. The leading strand is synthesized continuously towards the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments called Okazaki fragments.
4. Proofreading and Repair: DNA polymerase has a built-in proofreading capability that corrects errors made during DNA synthesis. However, if mistakes occur or damaged DNA is encountered, additional repair mechanisms come into play to fix the errors.
5. Termination: The replication process continues until the entire DNA molecule is duplicated. Near the end of the replication, specific termination sites signal the completion of replication.
Overall, DNA replication is a highly regulated and accurate process, ensuring that each daughter strand of DNA is a faithful copy of the original parent DNA molecule.