DNA and Genetic Engineering

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DNA and Genetic Engineering
DNA replication refers to the process through which a DNA doubles during cell division. This starts by unzipping the double helix of the molecule facilitated by the helicase enzyme which helps in breaking the hydrogen bonds. Next, a replication fork is created through the separation of single strands. The leading strand is oriented towards the 3’ to 5’ replication fork direction. The lagging strand is oriented away from the fork in 5’ to 3’ direction. On the leading strand, a primer which is produced by the primase enzyme attaches itself on end. This forms the first point for the synthesis of DNA. Through a continuous replication, the DNA polymerase gets attached to the “leading strand” and moves along it as it adds complementary nucleotide bases in the 5’ to 3’ direction. On the lagging strand, the primase enzyme makes many RNA primers and binds them at different points along the strand. Following the 5’ to 3’ direction, Okazaki fragments are attached to the strand in a discontinuous form of replication. When the bases get matched up, A to T and C to G, the exonuclease enzyme removes the primers, and the gaps are filled by complementary nucleotides. Proofreading of the strand is then carried out to ensure it is perfect. The DNA ligase enzyme combines the sequence into continuous double strands. This leads to two DNA molecules with each DNA having half part as new and th…