What are the three main steps in DNA replication?

The correct answer, which identifies the three main steps in DNA replication as initiation, elongation, and termination, accurately reflects the sequential phases of the replication process.

During initiation, key enzymes recognize and bind to the specific region of the DNA known as the origin of replication. This action unwinds the double helix and prepares the template strands for copying.

In the elongation phase, enzymes called DNA polymerases synthesize new DNA strands by adding complementary nucleotides to the template strands, effectively constructing two new strands of DNA that will pair with the original strands.

The termination phase concludes replication when the entire molecule has been duplicated, and the process ensures that the new strands are correctly formed. Monitoring mechanisms are in place to verify the accuracy of the replication, which could involve cutting and rejoining strands to fix any errors.

This sequence of steps is crucial for accurate DNA replication and the maintenance of genetic integrity in cells.