DNA Replication Flashcards
What is DNA Replication
The process by which DNA makes an identical copy of itself is called DNA Replication
When does it occur
DNA needs to make an exact copy of itself
DNA Replication occurs just before cell division (Meiosis and Mitosis)
It occurs during Interphase
Why does it occur
It increases the number of chromosomes so that they can be shared between the cells resulting from cell division
It enables the nucleus of the cell to split into two in such a way that each new cell produced has the same number of chromosomes
Mitosis, allows for the resulting cells to be identical to each other and to that of the parent from which they arose because of the identical copies made of the chromosomes
How does it occur
Double Helix Unwinds
Weak Hydrogen Bonds between Nitrogenous Bases break
And the two DNA strands unzip/ unwinds
Each original DNA strand serves as a template to form a new strand
By attaching to free nucleotides from the nucleoplasm
To form Complementary Strands (A to T and C to G)
Each DNA molecule now consists of 1 original strand and 1 new strand
The result is two genetically identical DNA molecules
The entire process is controlled by enzymes
