Semiconservative replication

As the DNA double helix is unwound by helicase, replication occurs separately on each template strand in antiparallel directions.

[10] During the period of exponential DNA increase at 37 °C, the rate of strand elongation was 749 nucleotides per second.

The mutation rate per base pair per round of replication during phage T4 DNA synthesis is 2.4×10−8.

This allows repair enzymes to proofread the new strand and correct any mutations or errors.

[7] DNA could have the ability to activate or deactivate certain areas on the newly synthesized strand that allows the phenotype of the cell to be changed.

This could be advantageous for the cell because DNA could activate a more favorable phenotype to aid in survival.