DNA replication
![DNA replication. The double helix is unwound and each strand acts as a template for the next strand. Bases are matched to synthesize the new partner strands.](/Images/godic/202502/07/DNA_replication_split.svg1938.png")
![DNA polymerases adds nucleotides to the 3' end of a strand of DNA.[5] If a mismatch is accidentally incorporated, the polymerase is inhibited from further extension. Proofreading removes the mismatched nucleotide and extension continues.](/Images/godic/202502/07/DNA_polymerase.svg1938.png")
![Role of initiators for initiation of DNA replication.](/Images/godic/202502/07/Figure_Role_of_initiators_for_initiation_of_DNA_replication1938.png")
![Formation of pre-replication complex.](/Images/godic/202502/07/EukPreRC1938.jpg")
In molecular biology, DNA replication is the biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule. This process occurs in all living organisms and is the basis for biological inheritance. DNA is made up of a double helix of two strands, and each strand of the original DNA molecule serves as a template for the production of the complementary strand, a process referred to as semiconservative replication. Cellular proofreading and error-checking mechanisms ensure near perfect fidelity for DNA replication.