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Molecular Basis Of Inheritance

Question
CBSEENBI12001657

Explain the process of DNA replication with the help of a schematic diagram.

Solution

DNA replication is the phenomenon in which a duplicate copy of DNA is synthesized

The steps involved in the process of DNA replication are as follows:

i) DNA replication occurs in S-phase of the cell cycle.

ii) Enzyme involved: DNA polymerase (DNA-dependent DNA polymerase)

iii) Replication requires energy

Source of energy -Deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs)

dNTPs have dual purposes: act as substrates as well as provide energy

Replication initiates at specific regions in DNA called the origin of replication.

DNA polymerase polymerises a large number of nucleotides in a very short time.

During the course of replication, two parent strands do not completely open, but a small opening form in which replication occurs. This small opening forms a replication fork.

DNA polymerase can polymerize only in one direction, i.e,'

Therefore, replication occurs smoothly into end of DNA (continuous replication, but occurs discontinuously into end).

The discontinuous fragments so formed are joined by DNA ligase