Semiconservative replication

Definition

Semiconservative replication is the method by which DNA duplicates itself before cell division, ensuring each new cell receives an exact copy of the DNA. In this process, each original strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand, resulting in two DNA molecules that each contain one original and one newly synthesized strand.

Related terms

DNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes the new DNA strands during replication by adding nucleotides to existing strands based on their complementary base pairs.

Helicase:

An enzyme responsible for unwinding the double helix structure of DNA, separating the two strands to allow replication.

Replication fork: The region where the double-stranded DNA is separated into single strands during replication to allow access for enzymes like DNA polymerase