DNA Structure and Replication

Front

What is the structure of DNA?

Back

DNA is a double helix composed of two strands of nucleotides, with a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) paired in specific ways.

Front

What are the base pairing rules in DNA?

Back

Adenine pairs with Thymine (A-T) and Cytosine pairs with Guanine (C-G).

Front

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Back

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Front

What is the difference between the leading and lagging strands during 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 significance of complementary base pairing in DNA?

Back

Complementary base pairing ensures accurate replication of DNA and the preservation of genetic information.

Front

What is a nucleotide?

Back

A nucleotide is the basic building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Front

What is the function of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

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

Front

What is semi-conservative replication?

Back

Semi-conservative replication is the process by which each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Front

What is the role of RNA primers in DNA replication?

Back

RNA primers provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin synthesis of the new DNA strand.

Front

What is the significance of the 5' and 3' ends of a DNA strand?

Back

The 5' and 3' ends refer to the directionality of the DNA strand, which is crucial for the synthesis and replication processes.