Replikacije

Replikacije (replication) is the process by which genetic material is copied, enabling cell division and heredity. In biology, DNA replication is semiconservative, producing two DNA molecules each containing one old and one newly synthesized strand. Initiation occurs at origins of replication; bacteria have a single origin, while eukaryotic chromosomes contain many origins. The helicase enzyme unwinds the double helix, aided by single-strand binding proteins. Primase lays down RNA primers to provide starting points for DNA synthesis. DNA polymerases then extend the new DNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction. The leading strand is synthesized continuously toward the replication fork, whereas the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments that are later joined by DNA ligase. Replication proceeds bi-directionally from origins and ends when forks converge.

In eukaryotes, replication involves chromatin remodeling, multiple replication origins, and a coordinated orchestration with the cell cycle’s S phase. High fidelity is achieved by proofreading exonuclease activity of DNA polymerases and post-replicative mismatch repair; telomeres protect chromosome ends, with telomerase maintaining telomere length in certain cell types.

Beyond biology, the term replication is also used in computing and information technology to describe copying data or state between systems to improve availability, resilience and performance. Common approaches include synchronous and asynchronous replication, master-slave or multi-master topologies, and different consistency guarantees.

Replikacije is a fundamental process for growth, development and heredity, and its study informs genetics, molecular biology, and related fields.