Free Biology Simulation

Explore the DNA Replication Game

Drag the matching bases onto the unzipped DNA strand to build the copy, or type your own sequence. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.

Try it free See how it works

Free to use
No signup
Nothing to install
Runs in your browser

Free to use

No signup

DNA Replication Game

Setting

Open the DNA Replication Game

Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.

See it in action

The DNA Replication Game with sample data entered and the result showing.

Explained

What is the DNA Replication Game?

Drag the matching bases onto the unzipped DNA strand to build the copy, or type your own sequence. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.

DNA copying is the basis of growth, healing and inheritance. Lab techniques like PCR, used in COVID tests and forensics, copy DNA using the same rules.

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Key idea 1Key idea 2Key idea 3

3 steps to your result

Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.

In the DNA Replication Game, use the controls to change Template sequence (A, T, G, C). The simulation reacts instantly.

Start with this experiment: Press Unzip, then drag bases onto the template. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the DNA Replication Game responds in real time.

Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C).

What you get

Key idea 1

Adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C).

Key idea 2

Helicase unzips the double helix and DNA polymerase adds matching bases to each strand.

Key idea 3

Replication is semi-conservative: each new DNA molecule keeps one old strand and one new strand.

Experiment 1

Press Unzip, then drag bases onto the template.

Experiment 2

Type your own sequence and copy it.

Experiment 3

Try a wrong base and read the feedback.

Used for

Pick one to see how it fits.

Use case

Biology learners

Biology students and teachers who want to explore living systems, populations and genetics interactively and safely.

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How it compares

A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.

	This simulation	Textbook diagram
Interactive	Drag, tap and change settings	Fixed picture
Install	Nothing to install	Not needed
Cost	Free to use	Depends on the book

Questions people ask

Why does replication use base pairing?

Each base can only pair with one partner, so each old strand is a template that fixes the sequence of the new strand exactly.

What does semi-conservative mean?

Each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one newly made strand.

Is the DNA Replication Game free to use?

Yes. The DNA Replication Game is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Biology group of AZRS simulations.

Does the DNA Replication Game work on a phone or tablet?

Yes. The DNA Replication Game takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 1 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.

How do I use the DNA Replication Game?

1. In the DNA Replication Game, use the controls to change Template sequence (A, T, G, C). The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the DNA Replication Game, press "Unzip (helicase)", "Random", "Auto-replicate", "Start again" to start, reset or change what is happening. 3. Start with this experiment: Press Unzip, then drag bases onto the template. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the DNA Replication Game responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C).