Crucial Step in Human DNA Replication (IMAGE) Penn State Caption An elusive step in the process of human DNA replication has been observed, for the first time, by scientists at Penn State University in the lab of Stephen J. Benkovic. The step, which is crucial for DNA replication in humans and other forms of life, previously had remained mysterious and had not been well studied in human DNA. For illustrative purposes, this image represents a crucial molecular player in the process, by a hand, which is loading the sliding clamp ring onto DNA. Credit Benkovic lab, Penn State University Usage Restrictions The image credit must be published along with the image. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.