Final answer:
DNA replication is a semi-conservative process involving enzymes like DNA helicase, which unzips the DNA molecule, and DNA polymerase, which adds complementary nucleotides to each original strand to form two identical DNA molecules. It occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle and is a precisely controlled process to ensure genetic fidelity.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA Replication Process
DNA replication is a critical process by which a cell duplicates its DNA. In eukaryotic cells, it occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle. The replication process starts when the enzyme DNA helicase unwinds the DNA helix, breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases, effectively 'unzipping' the double-stranded DNA. Once the strands are separated, DNA polymerase reads the original, or template strands, and adds new, complementary nucleotides to form two daughter DNA molecules. Each of these molecules retains one of the original strands, thus making the replication semi-conservative. Another critical enzyme, DNA ligase, plays a role in joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand to ensure a continuous complementary strand.
During this process, the cell employs a proofreading system to minimize errors, allowing for high-fidelity replication of the DNA. This system includes additional enzymes that scan for and correct mistakes in the new DNA strands. This meticulous duplication ensures that the genetic information is maintained and passed on accurately from one cell generation to the next.