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DNA replication
The process of producing exact copies of DNA with identical base sequences.
Semi-conservative replication
A method of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.
Replication fork
The site at which DNA replication is actively occurring as the double helix separates.
Complementary base pairing
The specific pairing of bases (A with T and C with G) that ensures a high degree of accuracy in DNA replication.
DNA polymerase
An enzyme that assembles new strands of DNA by adding nucleotides to a growing DNA strand.
Helicase
A protein that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
A method of amplifying DNA, allowing the doubling of DNA quantity with each cycle.
Taq DNA polymerase
A heat-stable DNA polymerase used in PCR, derived from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus.
Gel electrophoresis
A technique used to separate DNA fragments by size as they move through a gel matrix under an electric field.
Short tandem repeats (STRs)
Sequences of DNA between 2 and 7 bases that are repeated consecutively and can be used for DNA profiling.
Amplification
The process of producing increased quantities of a specific DNA sequence.
Nucleotide
The basic building block of DNA, consisting of a base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.
Template strand
The original strand of DNA used as a guide for assembling a new strand during replication.
DNA profiling
A method used to distinguish between individuals based on variations in their DNA, particularly by analyzing tandem repeats.
Annealing
The step in PCR where primers bind to the single-stranded DNA.
Melting
The step in PCR where the double-stranded DNA is denatured into single strands by heating.
Elongation
The phase in PCR where new DNA strands are formed by the addition of nucleotides.
Note 
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