DNA synthesis

DNA is replicated by semi-conservation replication. This means one strand is used as a template to minimize the chance of mistake. In the process the double stranded DNA is unwound by enzymes called DNA helicases. The unwinding starts at a location in the genome called the origin. DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for binding complementary free nucleotides to the exposed bases on the template strand. This forms a replication fork. Two copies of the original DNA strand are produced.