DNA Structure and Replication

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, which is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

DNA is a double helix structure composed of two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other.

The four bases of DNA are Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).

In DNA, Adenine pairs with Thymine (A-T) and Cytosine pairs with Guanine (C-G).

DNA replication is the process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a growing chain during DNA replication.

A nucleotide is the basic building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA replication ensures accuracy through proofreading mechanisms by DNA polymerase, which checks for errors and corrects them.

Complementary base pairing ensures that the genetic information is accurately copied and transmitted during DNA replication.

The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments (Okazaki fragments) away from the fork.