1. DNA Replication

2. Why is DNA Replication needed?
When cells are dividing…
During Interphase of Mitosis & Meiosis DNA must be copied so that each new cell has a full copy of the DNA
Either to GROW or make gametes or replace dead cells

3. Starting DNA Replication
The two strands of DNA are unzipped by an enzyme called HELICASE
The hydrogen bonds between the nitrogen bases are broken
Creates a replication bubble
Each strand is now called a “parent strand”

4. DNA Replication
Each “parent strand” is used as a template to make the strand they are missing
This is called the complementary daughter strand of DNA
To make the daughter strand complementary nucleotides are added to the bases of the parent strand
The enzyme DNA polymerase does this

6. DNA Replication
Once the bases are paired the sugar & phosphate groups are linked together
The bases are “proof read”
We now have 2 IDENTICAL copies of DNA!!

7. Semi-Conservative Replication
Because 1 parents strand is used to make the daughter strand DNA replication is called semi-conservative…1 parent strand is conserved and joins the newly synthesized complementary strand to form the new double helix!