DNA replication is a highly coordinated process that involves the unwinding of the DNA double helix, followed by the synthesis of new complementary strands. The process begins with the enzyme helicase, which unwinds the double-stranded DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases. This creates two single-stranded templates. The enzyme primase then synthesizes short RNA primers to provide a starting point for DNA polymerase. DNA polymerase binds to the primer-template junction and begins adding new nucleotides complementary to the template strand in the 5′ to 3′ direction. On the leading strand, DNA is synthesized continuously, while on the lagging strand, it is synthesized in short fragments known as Okazaki fragments. These fragments are later joined by the enzyme DNA ligase, completing the replication process. The result is two identical DNA molecules, each composed of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand, ensuring the accurate transmission of genetic information.
