Cells divide using DNA replication. This process copies the genetic code. It's called semiconservative replication. It happens once per cell cycle. The entire genome gets copied. Two identical copies result. These copies separate into new cells.
Replication starts at special sites. These are origins of replication. Proteins gather there first. They form a complex group. This is the pre-replicative complex. It includes several important parts.
One part is the Origin Recognition Complex. It anchors everything else. Another part is Cdc6. It helps build the complex. Cdt1 helps load essential parts too. The Mcm2-7 complex is the core part.
This core machinery is called the replisome. The replisome unwinds the DNA double helix. It then makes new DNA strands. This creates two complete DNA copies. The process is very accurate. It prevents copying mistakes.
