Two strands of nucleotides twist together to form the DNA molecule. The nucleotides from one strand are connected to the nucleotides of the other strand by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases. The order in which nucleotides are arranged, in at least some regions, is unique for each species.
Hereditary information is encoded in particular sequences of nucleotides.
DNA replication begins when the double helix unwinds and melts. DNA replication requires enzymes and energized nucleotides. Binary fission is a relatively simple cell division process that occurs in most prokaryotic cells. Mitosis follows interphase, the predominate part of a cell's life, which involves active metabolism, growth, and synthesis. Mitosis is described as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.