Step 2: Each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new strand A template is “a molecule … that serves as a pattern for the generation of another macromolecule” (Meriam-Webster, online). With bases exposed, each single strand now serves as a template for the synthesis of a new strand.Step 1: the double helix separates into two single strands along part of its length Here’s a big-picture view of what happens during DNA Replication. During DNA Replication, each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a complementary strand The quote above is from the conclusion to the paper Watson and Crick wrote in the science journal Nature in 1953, first describing the structure and chemistry of DNA. Their work relied heavily on the work of a fourth scientist, Rosalind Franklin. James Watson and Francis Crick (along with Maurice Wilkins) were the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA. “It has not escaped our notice that the specific pairing We have postulated immediately suggests A possible copying mechanism For the genetic material” DNA replication Complementary base pairingĭNA’s structure with its bases complementary Makes replication easy, but not quite elementary Since A only bonds with T and C with G The Double Helix seems to copy naturally, Here’s an explanation, in verse, of the key idea behind replication. Replication involves making two new molecules of “daughter” DNA from one molecule of “parent” DNA.
