DNA Synthesis
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In this interactive simulation, students explore the molecular process of DNA replication, a critical step in mitosis and meiosis. The student begins by observing how helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, creating a replication bubble. They then follow the enzymatic steps of replication, as topoisomerase alleviates strain, primase lays down RNA primers, and DNA polymerase III builds complementary strands. The activity reinforces the concepts of leading and lagging strands, showing how Okazaki fragments form on the lagging strand and are later joined by ligase. By actively assembling a new DNA strand and identifying key enzymes, students gain a hands-on understanding of DNA synthesis and its essential role in cell division.