DNA Replication

Front

What is DNA replication?

Back

The process by which a cell makes an identical copy of its DNA, resulting in two DNA molecules, each containing one original strand and one new strand.

Front

What are nucleotides?

Back

The basic building blocks of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Front

What role does DNA polymerase play in DNA replication?

Back

DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a growing chain during replication.

Front

What is the significance of the origins of replication?

Back

Origins of replication are specific locations on the DNA molecule where replication begins, allowing the DNA to be copied efficiently.

Front

What is the structure of DNA?

Back

DNA is a double helix composed of two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other, with complementary base pairing between adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine.

Front

What is the difference between leading and lagging strands in DNA replication?

Back

The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments (Okazaki fragments) away from the fork.

Front

What is the function of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase is the enzyme that unwinds the double helix of DNA, separating the two strands to allow replication to occur.

Front

What are Okazaki fragments?

Back

Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication, which are later joined together by DNA ligase.

Front

What is semi-conservative replication?

Back

A method of DNA replication in which each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Front

What is the role of DNA ligase?

Back

DNA ligase is the enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, sealing the gaps between them to create a continuous DNA strand.