DNA Replication
DNA was proven as the hereditary material and Watson and Crick had discovered its
structure with the help of Wilkins and Franklin’s x-ray photograph. Now that they
knew the structure, what remained was to learn how DNA copied its information and
how it was expressed.
It was discovered that DNA goes through a process of replication to produce two
DNA molecules, each of which are composed of one-half original DNA and one-half
old DNA, which are complementary of each other. DNA replication begins when the
DNA unwinds and the hydrogen bonds between the bases are broken by an enzyme.
This process is compared to a zipper being unzipped. Another enzyme comes in and
bonds the complementary bases to the open strands on both sides to create two
strands that are now identical. Cells cannot function without a complete set of DNA,
so when the cell divides each cell must have a complete functioning copy of DNA.
This is why DNA replication occurs.
Direction: Answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
1.What is the process DNA goes through when dividing into more cells?
2.How many strands are created after the process and are they identical or different?
3.In your own words, summarize the process of DNA replication. Be sure to include
when it happens, how it occurs and what is produced.
4.Explain why DNA must be replicated.
5.When does DNA replication occur?