What happens when DNA is replicated? a second, identical strand of DNA is formed a new strand of RNA is formed

When DNA is replicated, a second, identical strand of DNA is formed. This process is essential for cell division, allowing genetic information to be passed on to daughter cells. Here's a brief overview of the DNA replication process: 1. **Unwinding**: The double helix structure of DNA unwinds, and the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs break, separating the two strands. 2. **Base Pairing**: Each original strand serves as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand. DNA polymerase, an enzyme, adds nucleotides to the growing strand according to the base pairing rules (A with T and C with G). 3. **Formation of New Strands**: As nucleotides are added, two identical double-stranded DNA molecules are formed, each consisting of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. 4. **Proofreading**: DNA polymerase also has proofreading capabilities to ensure that the new DNA strands are accurate copies of the original. In summary, DNA replication results in the formation of two identical DNA molecules, each containing one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.