replikaatiopuolet

Replikaatiopuolet refers to the two strands of a DNA molecule. DNA replication is the biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule. This process is fundamental to cell division and heredity, ensuring that genetic information is accurately passed from one generation of cells to the next. Each strand of the double helix serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. This is known as semi-conservative replication because each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

The process of replication involves several key enzymes. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, separating the two strands. Then, DNA polymerase, the primary enzyme responsible for DNA synthesis, adds nucleotides to the new strands, following base-pairing rules (adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine). Because the two strands of DNA run in opposite directions (antiparallel), replication proceeds differently on each strand. The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments called Okazaki fragments, which are later joined together by DNA ligase. The accurate replication of DNA is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the genome and preventing genetic mutations.