DNA replication is an important biological process that acts as a basis for cell growth and division. When a cell must divide, the DNA must also replicate itself so that each daughter cell may contain identical DNA transcripts. This process begins by sections of DNA called origin of replication being targeted by intiator proteins. These origins of replication tend to contain AT repeats due to the fact that Adenine and Thymine have a weaker bond making it easier for those two nucleotide to seperate. Helicase will seperate the base pairs and establish the replication fork. Following intiation, the DNA will elongate in a 5' to 3' direction due to the free hydroxyl group. DNA polymerase will be recuited by the initiator proteins like primase and begin elongation in the 3' direction. The opposite strand, or lagging strand, must be replicated in fragments because DNA must be replicated 5' to 3'. These fragments are called Okazaki fragment. Since DNA replication is intiated at many parts in the genome, it will be terminate a various points as well. Termination will be a result of a blocked replication fork.
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