OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What process occurs during DNA replication?

The DNA double helix stays intact
The strands separate and new nucleotides align
The DNA is broken down into nucleotides
RNA is synthesized from the DNA template

The correct answer is: The strands separate and new nucleotides align

During DNA replication, the strands of the DNA double helix separate, allowing new nucleotides to align with the exposed bases on each strand. This is a crucial step in the process that ensures the genetic material is accurately copied before a cell divides. DNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for this task, facilitates the addition of new nucleotides in a complementary manner, producing two identical DNA molecules from the original one. This mechanism is vital for genetic continuity and the proper functioning of cellular processes. The other options do not accurately describe the events of DNA replication. The double helix does not remain intact, as the separation of the strands is essential for replication to occur. The process does not involve breaking down DNA into individual nucleotides, since the original strands serve as templates for the new strands. While RNA can be synthesized from a DNA template during transcription, this is a distinct process that occurs independently of DNA replication.