DNA Synthesis
DNA synthesis is the process of creating new strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. This process occurs naturally in living organisms during cell division, where enzymes like DNA polymerase help replicate the genetic material. Scientists can also perform DNA synthesis in laboratories to create specific sequences for research, medical, or biotechnological applications.
In the lab, DNA synthesis typically involves a method called solid-phase synthesis, where nucleotides are added one at a time to a growing DNA strand. This technique allows researchers to produce custom DNA sequences, which can be used in various fields, including genetic engineering, gene therapy, and synthetic biology.