The structure of DNA lends itself easily to DNA replication. Each side of the double helix runs in opposite (anti-parallel) directions. The beauty of this structure is that it can unzip down the middle and each side can serve as a pattern or template for the other side (called semi-conservative replication).However, DNA does not unzip entirely.It unzips in a small area called a replication fork, which then moves down the entire length of the molecule. Let's look at the details: 1  An enzyme called DNA gyrase makes a nick in the double helix and each side separates. 2  An enzyme called helicase unwinds the double-stranded DNA.NA Replication. ­DNA carries the information for making all of the cell's proteins. These pro­teins implement all of the functions of a living organism and determine the organism'­s characteristics. When the cell reproduces, it has to pass all of this information on to the daughter cells.