Final answer:
Step 3, or the termination stage, of DNA replication entails the completion of the new, complementary DNA strands that are bound to the original strands, resulting in two identical DNA molecules. Key enzymes like DNA polymerase and DNA ligase finalize the replication process before the molecules are separated during cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stage 3 of DNA Replication: Termination
In step 3 of DNA replication, known as the termination stage, the replication process concludes. At this point, the two original DNA strands have been copied and are each bound to newly formed complementary strands. This results in the formation of two identical DNA molecules. The complex replication machinery involves several key enzymes, such as DNA polymerase, topoisomerase, and DNA ligase, each playing a crucial role in this process.
DNA polymerase fills in the gaps left after RNA primers are removed, while DNA ligase seals the nicks between the okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, forming a continuous DNA strand. When replication is complete, the newly synthesized strands exhibit the correct sequence of nucleotides, ensuring genetic continuity. After replication, these two new DNA molecules are ready to be separated into two different cells during cell division.
It’s important to note that each new DNA molecule consists of one old (parental) and one new strand, following the semi-conservative model of DNA replication. This ensures that each new cell will have a complete and accurate copy of the DNA.