DNA Replication

• What does the semi-conservative replication of DNA ensure?

  Ensures genetic continuity between generations of cells meaning that genetic information is passed on from one generation from the next
• what is the function of the enzyme DNA helicase in the replication of DNA?

  causes the 2 strands of DNA to separate breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases
• what is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

  joins the nucleotides together by forming phosphodiester bonds
• What are the 3 steps of semi-conservative replication of DNA?

  1. The enzyme DNA helicase causes the two strands of DNA to separate breaking the hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases
  2. One of the strands is used as a template and complementary base pairing occurs between the template strand and free nucleotides
  3. Once activated nucleotides are bound the enzyme DNA polymerase joins them together by forming phosphodiester bonds. THE RESULT IS THAT 2 IDENTICAL STRANDS OF DNA ARE FORMED