DNA Synthesis Process Explained | Encyclopedia UK

DNA synthesis is the process of creating a new copy of DNA molecules. It is essential for cell growth, repair, and reproduction.

DNA Synthesis FAQ

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What is DNA synthesis?

There are several different definitions for DNA synthesis: it can refer to DNA replication - DNA biosynthesis ( in vivo DNA amplification), polymerase chain reaction - enzymatic DNA synthesis ( in vitro DNA amplification) or gene synthesis - physically creating artificial gene sequences.

How is DNA synthesized?

DNA must be synthesized to study genes, the sequence of genomes, and many other studies. This occurs in two fashions, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and chemical synthesis. PCR is covered in Section 28.8. Here we will focus on chemical synthesis of short DNA segments, which which are called oligonucleotides.

What is enzymatic synthesis?

Enzymatic synthesis uses the principles of solid-phase synthesis. A short strand of DNA synthesized on a solid support can be extended by DNA polymerases using nucleoside 5′-triphosphates (NTPs) 27. DNA polymerases use a template DNA strand that provides base pairing, thereby selecting the incoming nucleotide.

Where does DNA synthesis occur?

DNA is replicated in replication bubbles in the chromosomes. And synthesis proceeds in two directions. Since replication occurs on from the 5’ to 3’ direction and since DNA is antiparallel, synthesis occurs in both directions. Bacteria have a single origin of replication; in eukaryotes, DNA is replicated at several origins of replication.

What are the steps required for chemical synthesis of DNA segments?

describe, briefly, the steps required for chemical synthesis of DNA segments. DNA must be synthesized to study genes, the sequence of genomes, and many other studies. This occurs in two fashions, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and chemical synthesis. PCR is covered in Section 28.8.

What is enzymatic DNA synthesis?

Enzymatic synthesis of DNA is at the beginning of it’s technology lifecycle arc. There is tremendous progress to be made in the commercial implementation of this technology. Novel hardware and high performance enzymes with long shelf-life, to name two, are all part of the future development of enzymatic DNA synthesis.