The stage of the cell cycle where DNA synthesis takes place is called the G1 stage. Large multicellular animals are essentially clones of millions and millions of genetically identical cells. Bacterial chromosomes consist of lots of short lengths of DNA joined together by proteins. Nucleosomes are the basic units of eukaryotic chromosome structure. The synthesis of new DNA molecules begins when a point of origin is placed close to a point of termination.
Eukaryotic chromosomes have multiple points of origin and multiple termini.
Proteins are used to separate the two strands of the DNA molecule when replication begins. Nucleotide monophosphates are the precursors for the synthesis of the new DNA strands. A replicating fork is where the synthesis of new DNA strands takes place. Semiconservative DNA synthesis only takes place in germ cells which produce sex gametes. Prokaryotic cells divide by binary fission.