Final answer:
During DNA replication, following the folding of the DNA strand into a duplex, DNA polymerase III synthesizes new strands, DNA ligase seals the gaps between Okazaki fragments, and single-strand binding proteins are released to allow the new DNA helices to rewind, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the top strand in DNA replication folds into the duplex, several key steps occur to ensure the accurate copying of the genetic material. Firstly, DNA polymerase III extends the RNA primer, synthesizing a new strand of DNA by adding nucleotides to the 3'-OH end on both the leading and lagging strands. On the leading strand, DNA synthesis is continuous, while on the lagging strand, it occurs in short segments known as Okazaki fragments.
Once the RNA primers used to initiate DNA synthesis are removed, the gaps that remain are filled in by DNA polymerase. Afterward, the enzyme DNA ligase comes into play, sealing the gaps between the Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, forming continuous double-stranded DNA molecules. This process results in two complete DNA molecules, each containing one original strand and one newly synthesized strand, which is termed as semi-conservative replication.
In the final stages of DNA replication, once both the original strands are fully bound to their respective new complementary strands, the single-strand binding proteins are released, allowing the newly formed DNA helices to rewind. This marks the termination phase of DNA replication, yielding two identical DNA molecules ready for cell division.