Explain how DNA replicates inside a cell

DNA is made up of 4 bases (Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine)

Adenine, guanine = purine 'Pure AGony'

Thymine and cytosine  = pyramidines

Adenine pairs with thymine (2 Hydrogen bonds - '2 people know where it is AT')

Cytosine pairs with guanine (3 hydrogen bonds)

DNA polymerase is an ezyme involved in the process. It 'unzips' the sugar phosphate backbone. The replication is semi-conservative (ie. the new molecule consists of one old stand of DNA and one new strand.

CD
Answered by Claire D. Biology tutor

3541 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is food absorbed into the blood?


What is the role of oxygen in the electron transport chain, and why is it so essential?


The herbicide atrazine works by disabling plastoquinone, one of the proton pumps in photosystem II. Explain how atrazine would kill a susceptible plant (5 marks) (OCR A specimen paper 3)


Explain the advantages of eukaryotic cells having mitochondria?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning