The cellular process of creating two new dna molecules from one original copy is called replication. which statement is the best description of this process? a) dna opens up and rna copies it. b) dna opens up and completely unwinds to make two new molecules. c) dna opens up and each strand is used as a template for a new strand. d) rna opens up the dna and uses each strand as a template for a new strand.

The correct answer is C.

In replication, an initiator protein unwinds a short length of  the DNA double helix. Next, an enzyme known as helicase attaches itself  to the unwound helix and begins to break the hydrogen bonds  between the base pairs of the two DNA strands, thereby pulling them apart to form a Y  shape called a replication fork. The two separated strands act as  templates for making the new strands of DNA.

An enzyme DNA polymerase then binds to one of  the strands called the leading strand because it is the one oriented in the 3'  5' direction (towards the replication fork) and begins walking along it adding new complementary bases to it. After the new strand is proof read by DNA Polymerase, it is sealed  up by  DNA ligase, an enzyme specific for this task.

The other strand called the lagging strand because it faces way from the from the replication fork in 5' 3' direction also undergoes the same process with a few minor differences to produce the other new complementary strand.

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