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DNA replication fork
Age 16 · Biology
At the replication fork, the double helix opens and the two strands separate. Along each old strand, DNA polymerase builds a new complementary strand.
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Age 16: open this week
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In the picture
- Y-shaped replication fork: the point where the two strands separate
- Original strand: the blue parent strand used as a template
- New strand: the orange complementary strand being built
- DNA polymerase: the enzyme that adds matching bases to the new strand
- Finished DNA molecule: one original strand and one new strand
Examples
- A zipper opening and each half being matched with a new half to make two complete zippers.
- Two friends splitting up and each teaming with a new friend, so every new pair has one old and one new member.
Key takeaways
- Each new DNA molecule keeps one old strand and one new strand.
- DNA polymerase adds bases that pair with the bases on the old strand.
Quiz: DNA replication fork (Age 16)
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During DNA replication, what role does each original strand play?
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What does DNA polymerase do at the replication fork?
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After replication, what does each finished DNA molecule contain?
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