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MADHESH AGRICULTURAL

UNIVERSITY

Rajbiraj,Sapatari

TOPIC: DNA REPLICATION

Submitted to: Dr.MD Ekram Hussain

Presented By:

Roshani Khatun

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INTRODUCTION

DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA before cell division

Nature of Replication:

Semi-conservative:

Each new DNA molecule has: One parental (old) strand

One newly synthesized strand

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Location

Occurs in the nucleus (in eukaryotes)

In prokaryotes, it occurs in the cytoplasm

Timing

Takes place during the S-phase (synthesis phase) of the cell cycle

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Basic Requirements

Template DNA strand

Free nucleotides (A, T, G, C) Enzymes

Energy (ATP)

Important Enzymes

Helicase: Unwinds the DNA double helix Topoisomerase: Relieves strain ahead of replication fork Primase: Synthesizes RNA primers

DNA Polymerase: Adds nucleotides in 5' → 3' direction DNA Ligase: Joins Okazaki fragments

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Steps of DNA Replication

  1. Initiation

Replication begins at origin of replication (Ori)

Helicase breaks hydrogen bonds → forms replication fork

  1. Elongation

DNA polymerase adds nucleotides complementary to template

Two strands formed:

Leading strand

Synthesized continuously (5' → 3') Lagging strand

Synthesized discontinuously as Okazaki fragments

  1. Termination

Replication ends when forks meet

RNA primers removed and replaced with DNA Fragments joined by ligase

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Direction of Replication

Always occurs in 5' → 3' direction

Base Pairing Rule

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C)

Proofreading

DNA polymerase checks and corrects errors → ensures high accuracy

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Significance:

Ensures genetic continuity

Essential for growth, repair, and reproduction Maintenance of Genetic Stability

Evolution and Diversity Tissue Repair and Regeneration

Cell Division and Growth

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