Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Cell Cycle
The cell cycle is a series of phases that a cell goes through to grow and divide. It consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (M). Understanding the cell cycle is crucial for recognizing how cells replicate their DNA and prepare for division, which is fundamental in biology and medicine.
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DNA Synthesis
DNA synthesis, or DNA replication, is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division. This process occurs during the S phase of interphase and involves enzymes that synthesize new DNA strands complementary to the original strands, ensuring genetic continuity. The main enzyme responsible for this is DNA polymerase, not RNA synthetase.
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Enzymes in DNA Replication
Enzymes play critical roles in DNA replication, facilitating the unwinding of the DNA double helix and the synthesis of new strands. DNA polymerase is the key enzyme that adds nucleotides to form new DNA strands, while other enzymes, such as helicase and ligase, assist in unwinding the DNA and joining Okazaki fragments, respectively. Understanding these enzymes is essential for grasping how DNA replication occurs accurately.
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Components of DNA Replication