DNA Structure and DNA Replication

Front

What is the structure of DNA?

Back

DNA is a double helix formed by two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other, with a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) paired in the center.

Front

What are the three components of a nucleotide?

Back

A nucleotide consists of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Front

What does the term semi-conservative mean in DNA replication?

Back

Semi-conservative means that during DNA replication, each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Front

Which nitrogenous bases pair together in DNA?

Back

Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Cytosine pairs with Guanine.

Front

What type of bonds hold the nitrogenous bases together in DNA?

Back

Hydrogen bonds hold the nitrogenous bases together, allowing the two strands of DNA to separate during replication.

Front

What type of bonds hold together the phosphate-sugar backbone of DNA?

Back

Covalent bonds hold together the phosphate-sugar backbone of DNA.

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 function of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase is an enzyme that unwinds and separates the two strands of the DNA double helix during replication.

Front

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

Back

The 5' end has a phosphate group, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group. DNA strands are antiparallel, meaning they run in opposite directions.

Front

What is the purpose of DNA replication?

Back

The purpose of DNA replication is to ensure that each new cell receives an exact copy of the DNA during cell division.