DNA Replication

DNA template with synthesis of a new strand in the 5' to 3' direction. The 5' triphosphate can only be added to a free 3'OH of deoxyribose. The two antiparallel strands are replicated simultaneously in both directions. RNA primers are used to initiate a new strand The parent strand at the 3' end of the template determines the daughter or leading strand in continuous replication. The parent strand at the 5' end of the template produces the lagging strand as short pieces of DNA (100-200 nucleotides in eukaryotes and longer in prokaryotes). The lagging strand fragments are called Okazaki fragments after their discoverer, Reiji Okazaki. The RNA primers are removed and the fragments are joined by DNA ligase.

Direction of replication

The replication fork 

Conclusions DNA structure predicts that base sequence determines replication of DNA If the sequence contains information, then the bases A,T,G, and C must somehow determine aminoacid sequences in proteins. Mutations in DNA are caused by changes in base sequences.