When did DNA replication start?

DNA replication is a fundamental biological process that occurs in all living organisms and is essential for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. The origins of DNA replication can be traced back to the earliest forms of life on Earth.

DNA replication is thought to have evolved early in the history of life on Earth, as it is a necessary process for the accurate transmission of genetic information and the continuation of life. It is likely that DNA replication, or a similar process, has been occurring in some form since the emergence of the first self-replicating molecules, which are thought to have arisen in the primordial soup of the early Earth.

The specific mechanisms and enzymes involved in DNA replication have evolved over time and are now well-characterized in modern organisms. However, the basic principles of DNA replication, such as the semi-conservative mode of replication and the use of template strands to guide the synthesis of new DNA strands, are thought to be ancient and have been conserved across the tree of life.

Overall, DNA replication is an ancient and essential biological process that has played a central role in the evolution and diversity of life on Earth.