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🧬 How DNA Replication Works

Follow DNA replication from template strands and RNA primers to 5-prime-to-3-prime synthesis, leading and lagging strands, Okazaki fragments, and ligation.

4
lessons
~15 min
to learn
🔬 Science
subject
Adults
level
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What you’ll learn

  1. Template and startIdentify parental DNA strands as templates and apply complementary base pairing.Semiconservative replication gives each daughter molecule one old strand and one new complementary strand.
  2. Primer and polymeraseDistinguish primer formation from DNA extension at a replication fork.Primase supplies an RNA starting point; DNA polymerase extends it from a free 3-prime hydroxyl.
  3. DirectionUse antiparallel strand orientation to label DNA synthesis correctly.Every new DNA segment grows 5-prime to 3-prime, which creates continuous and discontinuous sides of the fork.
  4. Leading and laggingTrace Okazaki-fragment processing from primer placement through ligation.Repeated primers enable lagging-strand fragments that are processed, replaced, and joined into continuous DNA.

Questions this course answers

What does a primer provide?

Polymerase needs a pre-existing 3-prime end to extend.

In which direction does new DNA grow?

Polymerase adds nucleotides to the free 3-prime end.

Why does the lagging strand use Okazaki fragments?

Antiparallel templates and 5-prime to 3-prime synthesis require discontinuous copying on one side of the fork.

What seals the nicks between completed fragments?

Ligase joins adjacent DNA pieces after primer replacement.

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