DNA replication results in the formation of two identical copies of the original DNA molecule. This process ensures that when a cell divides, each new cell receives an exact copy of the DNA.
During replication, the double helix structure of DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand. The enzyme DNA polymerase plays a crucial role in adding nucleotides to form the new strands. As a result, at the end of the replication process, there are two double-helical DNA molecules, each comprising one old strand and one newly synthesized strand. This semi-conservative mechanism of replication preserves genetic information and is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms.