What happens before the process of DNA replication?
What happens before the process of DNA replication?
Answered
Before DNA replication can begin, several preparatory steps occur to ensure the process is carried out correctly and efficiently. First, the cell must enter interphase, a phase of the cell cycle where most of the preparation for cell division occurs. Within interphase, the G1 phase involves cell growth and preparation for DNA replication, ensuring all the necessary resources and enzymes are available. During this time, origin recognition complexes (ORCs) assemble at specific regions of the DNA called origins of replication. The DNA must also be unwound from its tightly packed state in the chromatin to allow access to the replication machinery. As the cell enters the S phase, the DNA double helix is unwound by helicase enzymes, and single-strand binding proteins stabilize the exposed strands to prevent them from reannealing. The primase enzyme synthesizes short RNA primers, providing a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin adding nucleotides. This preparation ensures that the entire genome is replicated accurately and completely.
BNO Team