D1.1 SL DNA Replication

Front

What is the primary purpose of DNA replication?

Back

The primary purpose of DNA replication is to ensure accurate transmission of genetic information to daughter cells.

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of DNA replication is to ensure accurate transmission of genetic information to daughter cells, allowing for proper cell division and maintenance of genetic continuity.

Front

Explain the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication.

Back

DNA replication is semi-conservative because each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one new strand.

Answer explanation

DNA replication is semi-conservative because each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one new strand. This ensures genetic continuity, as half of the original DNA is preserved in each new molecule.

Front

How does complementary base pairing contribute to DNA replication accuracy?

Back

Complementary base pairing increases DNA replication accuracy by ensuring specific base pairing and enabling error correction.

Answer explanation

Complementary base pairing increases DNA replication accuracy by ensuring that adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine, which minimizes errors. Additionally, it allows for error correction mechanisms to fix mismatches.

Front

What role does helicase play in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase unwinds the DNA strands.

Answer explanation

Helicase unwinds the DNA strands by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs, allowing the replication machinery to access the single strands for synthesis. This is crucial for accurate DNA replication.

Front

Describe the function of DNA polymerase during DNA replication.

Back

DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Answer explanation

DNA polymerase is essential for DNA replication as it synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides that are complementary to the template strand, ensuring accurate duplication of genetic information.

Front

What are the key steps involved in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Back

Denaturation, Annealing, Extension

Answer explanation

The key steps in PCR are Denaturation (separating DNA strands), Annealing (binding primers to the target sequence), and Extension (synthesizing new DNA strands). This process amplifies specific DNA segments effectively.

Front

How do temperature changes affect the PCR process?

Back

Temperature changes are essential for denaturation, annealing, and extension in PCR.

Answer explanation

Temperature changes are crucial in PCR as they facilitate the three main steps: denaturation (separating DNA strands), annealing (binding primers), and extension (synthesizing new DNA). Without these changes, PCR cannot occur.

Front

What is the significance of primers in PCR?

Back

Primers are essential for initiating DNA synthesis and defining the target region in PCR.

Answer explanation

Primers are crucial in PCR as they bind to specific sequences on the DNA template, providing a starting point for DNA polymerase to synthesize new DNA strands, thus defining the target region for amplification.

Front

Explain the role of Taq polymerase in PCR.

Back

Taq polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands during the extension phase of PCR.

Answer explanation

Taq polymerase is crucial in PCR as it synthesizes new DNA strands during the extension phase, allowing for the amplification of the target DNA. It does not denature DNA, act as a primer, or amplify RNA.

Front

What is gel electrophoresis used for in molecular biology?

Back

Gel electrophoresis is used for separating and analyzing biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Answer explanation

Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate and analyze biomolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins based on their size and charge, making it essential for various applications in molecular biology.