Final answer:
During DNA replication, deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) act as the building blocks for the synthesis of new DNA strands. They are used by DNA polymerase enzymes to add complementary nucleotides to the growing DNA strand. The triphosphate group of each dNTP provides the energy required for DNA synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
During DNA replication, deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) act as the building blocks for the synthesis of new DNA strands. These dNTPs are nucleotides with three phosphate groups attached to a deoxyribose sugar. They are used by DNA polymerase enzymes to add complementary nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
During replication, the two strands of the double helix separate, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. DNA polymerase incorporates dNTPs that match the existing template strand, forming hydrogen bonds between the nucleotides to maintain base-pairing rules (A with T, and G with C).
The triphosphate group of each dNTP provides the energy required for DNA synthesis. When a nucleotide is added to the growing DNA chain, the two outermost phosphate groups are cleaved off, releasing a molecule of pyrophosphate (PPi) as a byproduct. This energy release drives the formation of the phosphodiester bond between the incoming nucleotide and the growing DNA strand.