key term - Replication Fork

Definition

The Replication Fork is a point in a DNA molecule where the two strands separate during replication, resembling a fork in the road.

Related terms

Leading Strand:

The DNA strand that is synthesized continuously during replication.

Lagging Strand:

The DNA strand that is synthesized discontinuously with short fragments being formed and later joined together.

DNA Polymerase: An enzyme involved in DNA replication, responsible for creating new strands by adding nucleotides to the existing DNA.