DNA replication follows a well-coordinated, step-by-step process involving multiple enzymes and proteins to ensure high fidelity. First, the double helix structure of DNA is unwound by helicase enzymes, creating two single-stranded DNA templates. Single-strand binding proteins stabilize these unwound regions, preventing the strands from reannealing. DNA polymerase then adds complementary nucleotides to the exposed strands in a 5′ to 3′ direction. On the leading strand, this happens continuously, while on the lagging strand, replication occurs in small segments known as Okazaki fragments. The fragments are later joined together by DNA ligase. Additionally, DNA polymerase has a proofreading function to correct errors during replication, ensuring the accuracy of the newly synthesized DNA.
