DNA Replication Flashcard

Front

What is the leading strand in DNA replication?

Back

The leading strand is the strand that is copied in a continuous way as read from the 3’ to 5’ direction.

Front

What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase is the enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix.

Front

Explain the term 'semi-conservative' in the context of DNA replication.

Back

Replication is called 'semi-conservative' because each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.

Front

What is the function of ligase in DNA replication?

Back

Ligase is the enzyme that binds Okazaki fragments together.

Front

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Back

DNA polymerase builds a new DNA strand by adding complementary bases.

Front

What are Okazaki fragments?

Back

Okazaki fragments are short sequences of DNA nucleotides synthesized discontinuously on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Front

What direction does DNA polymerase synthesize new DNA strands?

Back

DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands in the 5’ to 3’ direction.

Front

What is the significance of the 3’ and 5’ ends in DNA replication?

Back

The 3’ and 5’ ends indicate the directionality of the DNA strands, which is crucial for the synthesis of new strands.

Front

What is the difference between the leading strand and the lagging strand?

Back

The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments.

Front

What is the role of primase in DNA replication?

Back

Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer that provides a starting point for DNA polymerase.