Question

List the steps in DNA replication.

Short answer

The DNA replication steps are: 1. Unzipping of DNA 2. Binding of RNA primers 3. Replication with DNA Polymerase 4. Removal of RNA primers 5. Sealing of new strands.

Step-by-step solution

Unzipping DNA

The first step in DNA replication is the separation of the two strands that make up the DNA molecule. This breaking of hydrogen bonds between bases and the subsequent 'unzipping' of DNA is facilitated by an enzyme called DNA helicase.

Binding of RNA Primers

Once the DNA is unzipped, an enzyme called primase synthesizes an RNA primer, or primers, which are starting points for DNA synthesis.

Replication with DNA Polymerase

In the third step, an enzyme called DNA polymerase adds DNA nucleotides to the RNA primer. DNA polymerase 'reads' the existing DNA strands to create two new strands that match the existing ones.

Removal of RNA Primers

Once the DNA replication is finished, another enzyme, RNase H, removes the RNA primer, and a different DNA polymerase fills in the resultant gaps with DNA.

Sealing of New Strands

In the final step of DNA replication, an enzyme called DNA ligase seals up the fragments of DNA into a continuous double strand.