DNA Replication

DNA Replication

This takes place during the S stage of interphase
• Nucleotides are synthesised in huge quantities in the cytoplasm.
• An enzyme unzips the two complementary strands of DNA.
• New complementary nucleotides link to the exposed bases on the separated strands.
• The general name for this group of enzymes is DNA polymerase.
• A new complementary strand is built along each ‘old’ strand.
• Two DNAs, identical to the original and each other, are now present.
• Each new DNA molecule is thus ‘half old’ and ‘half new’

• ‘semi-conservative replication’.