DNA Replication

DNA replication is the process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself, ensuring the accurate transmission of genetic information to new cells. The main enzymes involved in DNA replication are: helicase, which unwinds and unzips the DNA molecule; primase, which lays down an RNA primer to initiate replication; DNA polymerase, which synthesizes the new complementary DNA strand; and ligase, which repairs gaps in the sugar-phosphate backbone. DNA replication is a semi-conservative process, where each new DNA molecule contains one original parental strand and one newly synthesized strand. In eukaryotic cells, there are multiple DNA polymerases involved in replication and repair, with polymerases α, δ, and ε playing key roles in nuclear DNA replication.