1. 1) To describe how the structure of DNA allows it to copy itself
DNA Replication
Objective:
1) To describe how the structure of DNA allows it to copy itself

2. Replication Process by which DNA makes an exact copy of itself
Results in 2 identical DNA molecules

3. Why replication?? Copies the genetic code
Allow new cells to have exactly the same genetic info as old cells
This is how traits are passed on

4. How does replication work?
Enzymes (special proteins) perform the work of replicating DNA
Step 1: Since the “code” is on the inside of the DNA ladder, the helix must first unwind and unzip using an enzyme called DNA helicase
Step 2: An enzyme called DNA polymerase then matches up complementary DNA nucleotides with the open ones on each DNA strand

6. How replication works, cont.
Step 3: DNA polymerase then bonds/glues the sugar and the phosphate to each other forming a complete strand of DNA
Results: Each new DNA strand contains ½ of the original strand and ½ new nucleotides
This is known as semiconservative because each strand has half the old strand.

7. Replication occurs at multiple sites along same DNA strand
Human DNA has about 3 billion base pairs
Speeds up the process