Here’s a detailed workflow of the DNA replication process in Mermaid format, step-by-step, to represent the stages of DNA replication. This includes the enzymes involved, the process of strand separation, synthesis, and proofreading. You can use this for visualizing the complete mechanism of DNA replication.

Detailed Explanation of Steps:

1. Origin of Replication: Replication starts at specific locations called origins of replication, where the DNA double helix begins to unwind.

2. Helicase Unwinds DNA: Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the DNA helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.

3. Single-Strand Binding Proteins (SSBs): These proteins bind to the single-stranded DNA to prevent it from reannealing, maintaining strand separation.

4. Topoisomerase: As the DNA unwinds, supercoiling occurs ahead of the replication fork. Topoisomerase relieves this by making temporary cuts and resealing the DNA.

5. RNA Primase: RNA primase synthesizes short RNA primers, which are necessary for DNA polymerases to start synthesis because DNA polymerases require a 3' OH group to initiate.

6. DNA Polymerase III: The main enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands. It adds nucleotides to the 3' end of the RNA primer in the 5' to 3' direction.

Leading Strand Synthesis:

• The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork.
• DNA polymerase III adds nucleotides in a 5' to 3' direction.
• Proofreading by the exonuclease activity of DNA polymerase corrects errors.
• DNA Polymerase I replaces the RNA primers with DNA nucleotides.
• DNA Ligase seals the nicks between the replaced primers and the rest of the newly synthesized DNA strand.

Lagging Strand Synthesis:

• The lagging strand is synthesized in fragments called Okazaki fragments because it grows in the opposite direction to the replication fork.
• RNA primase continuously lays down new RNA primers for each fragment.
• DNA Polymerase III extends the Okazaki fragments.
• DNA Polymerase I removes the RNA primers and replaces them with DNA.
• DNA Ligase joins the Okazaki fragments into a continuous strand.

Completion:

• The replication fork moves forward, and the two new double-stranded DNA molecules are formed.
• After synthesis, DNA proofreading and error correction ensure the newly replicated DNA is accurate.

This flowchart provides a detailed step-by-step view of DNA replication and highlights the role of key enzymes involved.