JY CHEN - Ask Anything, Learn Everything. Logo

In Biology / High School | 2014-05-13

What does DNA replication mean?

Asked by Serena8

Answer (3)

It's what the name suggests. Multiple strands of DNA come from the one DNA. This needs to happen so that inheritance can happen.

Answered by MathG33k | 2024-06-10

What is DNA Replication?:
DNA replication is the biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule. This process occurs in all living organisms and is the basis for biological inheritance. During the synthesis (S) phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle, the DNA molecule 'unzips' when the enzyme DNA helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between complementary nucleotide bases. This creates two single strands that serve as templates. Subsequently, DNA polymerase reads the templates and adds the appropriate nucleotides to build new strands. The result of this process is two DNA molecules consisting of one original and one new strand of DNA, making DNA replication a semi-conservative process. This ensures that each new cell, after cell division, contains the same genetic information as the parent cell, with half of the parent DNA molecule being conserved in each daughter molecule.
The original method of DNA replication was deduced by scientists Matthew Meselson and Franklin Stahl in 1958. Their experiments helped understand the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication. This knowledge is crucial, as accurate replication of DNA is fundamental for the cell to maintain genetic continuity from one generation to the next.

Answered by MinkaKelly | 2024-06-19

DNA replication is the process where a cell creates an identical copy of its DNA, essential for cell growth and division. It involves unwinding the DNA, using each strand as a template for producing new strands, resulting in two DNA molecules, each containing one original and one new strand. This semi-conservative replication ensures genetic continuity across cell generations.
;

Answered by MinkaKelly | 2024-12-23