Index >> Replication of DNA >> Template DNA

Template DNA
For synthesis of DNA in appreciable quantities the essential requirements are the four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates and a DNA template. The previously existing DNA on which new DNA is synthesized is called template DNA.

In experiments it has been found that in vitro synthesis of DNA can take place without template DNA, but there is a time lag of five or more hours before synthesis begins. When the DNA template is present, synthesis of DNA begins immediately.