DNA SYNTHESIS Meaning and
Definition
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DNA synthesis, also known as DNA replication, refers to the process by which a DNA molecule makes an identical copy of itself. It is a fundamental process that occurs in all living organisms during cell division and is crucial for passing genetic information from one generation to the next.
During DNA synthesis, the two complementary strands of the double helix molecule are unwound by the enzyme DNA helicase, creating a replication fork. The enzyme DNA polymerase then moves along each separated strand, adding nucleotides in a complementary manner to the original strand. The nucleotides join together to form a new, complementary DNA strand.
The process of DNA synthesis is highly specific and accurate, with a built-in proofreading mechanism by DNA polymerase to minimize errors. However, some errors, known as mutations, can occur, leading to genetic variations.
DNA synthesis is an intricately controlled process, involving several enzymes, proteins, and other molecules that work in a coordinated manner. It is a complex, energy-intensive process requiring the hydrolysis of ATP molecules to provide the necessary energy for DNA polymerase to add each nucleotide.
Understanding DNA synthesis is essential for various fields of biology, such as genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. It has significant implications in areas such as disease research, genetic engineering, forensic analysis, and evolutionary studies.
Common Misspellings for DNA SYNTHESIS
- sna synthesis
- xna synthesis
- cna synthesis
- fna synthesis
- rna synthesis
- ena synthesis
- dba synthesis
- dma synthesis
- dja synthesis
- dha synthesis
- dnz synthesis
- dns synthesis
- dnw synthesis
- dnq synthesis
- dna aynthesis
- dna zynthesis
- dna xynthesis
- dna dynthesis
- dna eynthesis
- dna wynthesis
Etymology of DNA SYNTHESIS
The word "DNA synthesis" is a compound term derived from multiple sources:
1. DNA: DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. The term was coined in 1929 by Phoebus Levene, an American biochemist. He named it after its sugar component (deoxyribose) and its nucleic acid nature.
2. Synthesis: Synthesis comes from the Greek word "synthesis", meaning combination, composition, or putting together. It entered the English language in the 1580s and has been used to describe the process of combining different elements to create something new.
Therefore, "DNA synthesis" refers to the process of creating or synthesizing DNA molecules by combining nucleotides to form the deoxyribose sugar backbone and connecting complementary bases.
