AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Each strand in the double helix acts as a template for synthesis of a new, complementary strand. 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.

Detailed explanation-2: -DNA polymerase is responsible for the process of DNA replication, during which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied into two identical DNA molecules. Scientists have taken advantage of the power of DNA polymerase molecules to copy DNA molecules in test tubes via polymerase chain reaction, also known as PCR.

Detailed explanation-3: -Two nucleotides are joined together by a phosphodiester bond in a molecule of DNA. DNA polymerase helps in forming phosphodiester bond between nucleotides during DNA replication.

Detailed explanation-4: -Each strand then serves as a template for a new complementary strand to be created. Complementary bases attach to one another (A-T and C-G). The primary enzyme involved in this is DNA polymerase which joins nucleotides to synthesize the new complementary strand.

Detailed explanation-5: -The primase generates short strands of RNA that bind to the single-stranded DNA to initiate DNA synthesis by the DNA polymerase. This enzyme can work only in the 5’ to 3’ direction, so it replicates the leading strand continuously.