What is the process in which a DNA copies itself?

The correct answer is – Replication. The process by which DNA copies itself is known as REPLICATION. The process starts with the unwinding of the double helix structure by the enzyme known as helicase. Helicase works by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pairs. The unwinding of the DNA double helix creates the Y shaped known as the replication fork. The leading strand is the strand positioned in the 3’ to 5’ direction, and the lagging strand is oriented in 5’ to 3’ direction.

The enzyme primase adds RNA primer, which acts as the start point for DNA synthesis. DNA polymerase adds a new complementary nucleotide to the new strand made on the leading strand. The new strand is made in a 5’ to 3’ strand. On the lagging strand, RNA primers are added at different points for DNA to be synthesized. The fragments of DNA produced are called Okazaki fragments. In the end, RNA primers are removed, and DNA ligase joins the fragments of DNA together.