DNA REPLICATION
WHAT IS DNA? The hereditary material responsible for passing genetic information from cell to cell and generation to generation. It’s adapted to carry out its functions: o Stable- so it can pass from generation to generation without change. o Weak hydrogen bonds- so it can be separated for DNA replication. o Extremely large molecule- carries a lot of genetic information o Deoxyribose phosphate back bone- to protect the genetic information.
DNA replication can be split into 3 simple stages..
STAGE ONE; Enzyme DNA helicase Breaks hydrogen bonds
STAGE TWO; Each original DNA strand acts as a template for a new strand. Free floating nucleotides join up with the original template via base pairing e.g. T pairs with A.
STAGE THREE; The nucleotides on the new strand are joined together by the enzyme DNA polymerase. Hydrogen bonds form.