Describe the process of DNA replication, transcription, and translation in cells.

DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA to produce two identical copies. It occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle. The process begins with the unwinding of the double helix structure of DNA by the enzyme helicase. This creates two separate strands, known as the template strands.

Next, DNA polymerase attaches to the template strands and starts adding complementary nucleotides to each strand. Adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). This results in the formation of two new strands, each complementary to the original template strands. This process continues until the entire DNA molecule is replicated.

Transcription is the process by which the information encoded in DNA is used to synthesize RNA molecules. It occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells. The process begins with the binding of RNA polymerase to a specific region of DNA called the promoter. This marks the starting point for transcription.

RNA polymerase then unwinds the DNA double helix and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand using one of the DNA strands as a template. However, in RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine (T) as a complementary base to adenine (A). This results in the formation of a single-stranded RNA molecule known as messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation is the process by which the information carried by mRNA is used to synthesize proteins. It occurs in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The process begins with the binding of the mRNA molecule to a ribosome, which serves as the site of protein synthesis.

The ribosome reads the mRNA in groups of three nucleotides called codons. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, each carrying a specific amino acid, bind to the codons on the mRNA through their anticodons. This forms a chain of amino acids, which folds into a functional protein.

Overall, DNA replication ensures the accurate duplication of genetic information, transcription converts DNA into RNA, and translation converts RNA into proteins. These processes are essential for the proper functioning and development of cells.