Describe the process of DNA replication

During DNA replication, the enzyme DNA helicase separates the two strands by breaking the hydrogen bonds between bases of each strand. Activated DNA nucleotides hydrogen bond with the exposed complementary bases of the template strand, in the pairs adenine (A) & thymine (T), and guanine (G) & cytosine (C). The enzyme DNA polymerase forms the sugar-phosphate backbone of the new strand by creating phosphodiester bonds between the adjacent nucleotides.DNA replication is semi-conservative because each daughter molecule contains one DNA strand that is newly-synthesised, and one that is from the parent molecule.(Could include labelled diagram to illustrate points)

DH
Answered by Dani H. Biology tutor

3719 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does Maltase only catalyse Maltose?


How do fish ventilate their gills?


Some poisons work by interfering with synaptic transmission at a neuromuscular junction. Describe the events at a synapse which lead to an action potential.


How is blood glucose controlled in homeostasis?


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