DNA replication

• DNA replication is a crucial process found in all organisms, ensuring the information encoded within DNA is passed on to every cell.
• DNA is a type of molecule found in all cells which contains the genetic information used to build up the whole organism.
• DNA replication in eukaryotes and prokaryotes is important for the development, growth, and functioning of an organism.
• DNA replication involves the duplication of DNA, ensuring every cell in the body has a complete set of DNA.
• DNA replication takes place during the lifetime of an organism, with cells dividing and growing.
• Humans start with one single cell which divides and multiplies, forming a whole embryo and fetus which grows into a full organism.
• DNA replication is crucial for the inheritance of genetic information, as every cell in the body needs a full set of DNA.
• All of the circular strands of DNA in prokaryotes must be copied before the cell divides into two new cells.
• Before a cell divides, every chromosome needs to copy itself, resulting in two sister chromatids that are identical to each other.
• Eukaryotes also have some circular DNA found in the mitochondria and chloroplasts, which is replicated along with the linear DNA during cell division.
• In prokaryotes, the DNA is found as a long circular loop of DNA called the nucleoid, with lots of circular strands called plasmids.
• Interphase is an important part of the cell cycle, where the cell is not dividing but carrying out other functions such as the S phase where DNA is replicated.
• Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells store DNA differently, with Eukaryotes storing it as a continuously long linear molecule called chromosomes, which are found in the nucleus.
• DNA is stored in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and is not found in prokaryotic cells.
• During the lifetime of an organism, cells must divide and grow, a process important for reproduction and replacing old or damaged cells.
• DNA replication is a crucial process that ensures the information encoded within DNA is passed on to every cell.