"Ultimate Guide to DNA Replication: Unraveling the Secrets of Life’s Blueprint
*Introduction - DNA replication is a fundamental biological process that ensures the accurate duplication of a cell's genetic material before cell division. This intricate mechanism allows organisms to grow, repair tissues, and pass genetic information to offspring. DNA replication is semi-conservative, meaning each new DNA molecule consists of one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand. This process is highly precise, tightly regulated, and involves a complex interplay of enzymes and proteins. This article provides an in-depth exploration of DNA replication, covering its mechanisms, key players, differences across organisms, regulation, and biological significance, with a focus on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The Basics of DNA Replication DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that encodes the genetic instructions for life. It exists as a double helix, with two complementary strands held together by hydrogen bonds between nucleotide...