AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -How is DNA replicated? Replication occurs in three major steps: the opening of the double helix and separation of the DNA strands, the priming of the template strand, and the assembly of the new DNA segment.

Detailed explanation-2: -There were three models suggested for DNA replication: conservative, semi-conservative, and dispersive. The conservative method of replication suggests that parental DNA remains together and newly-formed daughter strands are also together.

Detailed explanation-3: -New DNA is made by enzymes called DNA polymerases, which require a template and a primer (starter) and synthesize DNA in the 5’ to 3’ direction. During DNA replication, one new strand (the leading strand) is made as a continuous piece.

Detailed explanation-4: -Figure 3: Replication of the leading DNA strand is continuous, while replication along the lagging strand is discontinuous. After a short length of the DNA has been unwound, synthesis must proceed in the 5’ to 3’ direction; that is, in the direction opposite that of the unwinding.