DNA Replication

Front

What is DNA replication?

Back

DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA, ensuring that each new cell receives a complete set of genetic information.

Front

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Back

DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding and building free nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during replication.

Front

What is a replication fork?

Back

A replication fork is the Y-shaped region where the DNA double helix is unwound and separated into two single strands during replication.

Front

What is the first step of DNA replication?

Back

The first step of DNA replication is the unwinding of the original DNA strand by the enzyme DNA helicase.

Front

What is the function of RNA primase in DNA replication?

Back

RNA primase synthesizes a short RNA primer that provides a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin adding nucleotides.

Front

What are the complementary base pairs in DNA?

Back

In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G).

Front

What is the significance of the 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 role of DNA ligase in DNA replication?

Back

DNA ligase is the enzyme that joins together Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, sealing the gaps between them.

Front

What happens during the elongation phase of DNA replication?

Back

During elongation, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, extending it based on the template strand.

Front

What is the purpose of the RNA primer in DNA replication?

Back

The RNA primer provides a free 3' hydroxyl group for DNA polymerase to initiate DNA synthesis.