Biology & 3D Animation Library

Replicating the Helix

The structure of DNA, that Watson and Crick discovered, suggests how genetic information is passed on.

Duration: 48 seconds

The structure of DNA, that Watson and Crick discovered, suggests how genetic information is passed on. Before a cell divides, the double helix unwinds and the two strands of the DNA molecule in the nucleus separate. Each strand is then used as a template for the construction of new DNA molecules. The replication of DNA is simple in theory, but much more complicated in reality. The precise details have only recently been worked out. Take a look of the animation called "Mechanism of Replication" to see what actually happens at the molecular level.

watson and crick,replication of dna,dna replication,dna strands,dna molecule,dna molecules,francis crick,double helix,structure of dna,jim watson,crick dna,genetic information,precise details,narration,nucleus,strand,animation

This animation is available on YouTube .

Related Content

15539. DNA base pairs

DNA base pairs

  • ID: 15539
  • Source: DNAi

15543. James Watson and Francis Crick

James Watson and Francis Crick, Cambridge University, 1953

  • ID: 15543
  • Source: DNAi

15474. RNA's role in the cell, James Watson

James Watson talks about RNA's role in the cell.

  • ID: 15474
  • Source: DNAi

16022. James Watson and Francis Crick, 1953

The DNA molecule is shaped like a twisted ladder.

  • ID: 16022
  • Source: DNAi

15678. Watson and Crick's 1953 Nature paper

James Watson and Francis Crick's 1953 Nature paper.

  • ID: 15678
  • Source: DNAi

16442. Concept 20: A half DNA ladder is a template for copying the whole.

DNA polymerase and an experiment using nitrogen isotopes prove DNA replication.

  • ID: 16442
  • Source: DNAFTB

1445. DNA

Because it contains the directions for assembling the components of the cell, DNA is often thought of as the "instruction book" for assembling life.

  • ID: 1445
  • Source: G2C

15015. Francis Crick and James Watson in Cambridge.

1953 picture of Francis Crick (L) and James Watson (R) walking along the backs of King's College in Cambridge.

  • ID: 15015
  • Source: DNAi

15677. DNA helix model closeup

Image of DNA helix model (closeup).

  • ID: 15677
  • Source: DNAi