Describe the semiconservative method of DNA replication in detail

Solution:

During replication of DNA the two strands of DNA, are separate and each of the strands acts as a template for synthesis of a new strand. This results in the formation of two identical copies of original DNA strands. This is known as semi-conservative DNA replication.

Mechanism of DNA replication:
The whole process of DNA replication involves the following process:
1. Activation of Deoxyribonucleotides.
2. The Unwinding of DNA (starts from a specific point called origin of replication).
3. Recognition of the initiation point.
4. The Unwinding of DNA.
5. Formation of RNA primer( DNA -directed RNA polymerase synthesis a short priming strand of RNA called RNA primer).
6. Base pairing.
7. Conversion of Deoxyribonucleotides Triphosphates to Monophosphates.
8.Formation of New DNA chains to RNA primers.
9. Editing or proofreading and DNA repair.
10.Exclusion of RNA primer.
11. Joining of Okazaki fragments. (Short DNA segments are formed in the 5'-3' direction starting from RNA primers. Then these DNA segments are called Okazaki fragments.

About 20 or more different enzymes are required during DNA replication. These collectively form a DNA replicase system. These different enzymes fall into these three categories. 
1. DNA polymerase,
2. Polynucleotide ligases.
3. Exonucleases.
 

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