Principles of DNA Replication

DNA replication is the process by which a cell synthesizes a copy of its genetic material. This typically occurs once during a cell cycle, specifically in the S phase of interphase. During replication, each strand of the DNA molecule serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. Hydrogen bonds between base pairs are broken, and primers are attached to initiate new strand synthesis. For each parental strand, a new complementary strand is formed: adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine pairs with cytosine. This ensures that each daughter DNA molecule is identical to the original.