Semi conservative replication

DNA must be replicated by semi-conservative replication to transfer genetic material into daughter cells as the organism grows or repairs. Helicase breaks h bonds in DNA, dividing the 2 polypeptide strands, exposing the bases, act as templates. DNA-nucleotides then bind to exposed bases by specific base pairing with h bonds. DNA polymerase then joins adjacent nucleotides with a condensation reaction forming the phosphate-sugar backbone. DNA molecule contains one strand from the original DNA molecule and one new strand. So this helps to minimise mutations when copying the code. In prokaryotic cells the DNA is free in the cell cytoplasm, but in eukaryotes it is bound within a nucleus and joined to histones. Forms chromosomes , these are separated into daughter cells to carry the same genetic information as the parent cell.