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DNA replication

The discovery of DNA’s structure by Watson and Crick provided evidence that complementary base pairing was key to DNA’s ability to replicate.

New polynucleotide strands could then be synthesized using the originals as a template.

Several hypotheses were proposed as to the specific mechanism by which new strands are created.

Scientists proposed that DNA “unzipped” as hydrogen bonds between base pairs were broken.

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Mechanisms of DNA replication

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Meselson–Stahl DNA experiment

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DNA replication

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DNA replication enzymes

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DNA replication

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Errors in replication: gene mutations