So for a short recap on the topic discussed by my group mates,

DNA replication is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself. From it root word
REPLICATE, which means to make a copy
- On prokaryotes, DNA replication takes place in the cytoplasm while on
Eukaryotes, it occurs in the nucleus
- And this occurs in the S phase of interphase during cell cycle
- DNA replication occurs to produce new cells which receives correct number
of chromosomes.
- And DNA replication has 4 steps starting from REPLICATION FORK
FORMATION UP to termination

DNA REPLICATION IS DESCRIBED AS SEMICONSERVATIVE BECAUSE EACH DNA MOLECULE IS

MADE UP OF ONE OLD, CONSERVED STRAND OF DNA AND a NEW ONE.
The DNA is directional in both strands with 5 prime end and 3 prime ends. The 2 strands run in
opposite direction making them bi-directional. The 3 to 5 prime end is the leading strand while
the 5 to 3 prime end is the lagging strand. This determines how each strand of DNA is replicated.

and So as stated by Mr. Dumrique and Mr. Birung, DNA replication has 4 processes.
So on the first step, the two stand is separated . The unzipping is performed by an enzyme called
helicase and results in the formation of a Y shape known as the replication fork. The separated
strand provides template for replication to begin.

So on the second step which is the primer binding, an enzyme called primase starts the process.
This enzyme makes a small piece of RNA called a primer and this marks the starting point for
replication.

On the step 3 which is the elongation, an enzyme called DNA polymerase binds to the primer
and will make a new strand of DNA. So the DNA polymerase can only add DNA bases in one
direction, from the 5 prime end to the 3 prime end. The replication on the leading strand is
made continuously. The DNA polymerase adds bases one by one in the 5 prime to 3 prime
direction. On the other hand, the lagging strand cannot be made in a continuous way since it
runs in the opposite direction. DNA polymerase then adds pieces of DNA called OKAZAKI
FRAGMENTS. Each Strand is started with an RNA primer and then DNA polymerase adds short
row of DNA bases.

On the last step which is the termination, the enzyme exonuclease removes all RNA primer from
both strands of DNA and another DNA polymerase enzyme then fills the gaps that are left
behind with DNA. Finally, the enzyme ligase seals up the fragments of DNA in both strands to
form a continuous double strand. Once the DNA strands is complete, the strands are checked
for errors, repairs are made, and telomere sequences are added to the ends of the DNA.
DNA or the deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecule made up of two strands twisted around each
other in a double helix shape. Each strand is made up of a sequence of 4 nitrogenous bases;
adenine which only pairs with thymine, and guanine which only binds with cytosine.