Final answer:
The starting point in DNA replication is termed the origin of replication, which is a specific nucleotide sequence recognized by certain proteins initiating the unwinding and synthesis of DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The starting point in DNA replication is known as the origin of replication. In prokaryotes, such as E. coli, the origin is a specific sequence on the chromosome which is recognized by certain proteins, with helicase playing a critical role in unwinding the DNA. In eukaryotes, there are multiple origins of replication allowing replication to occur simultaneously at several places in the genome. The process includes the formation of a replication fork, with DNA polymerases synthesizing the new strands in the 5'-3' direction, leading to the creation of leading and lagging strands.