DNA Replication

Front

What is DNA replication?

Back

The process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.

Front

What are the main components of DNA?

Back

DNA is composed of nucleotides, which include a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).

Front

What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase is an enzyme that unwinds and separates the double-stranded DNA during replication.

Front

What is the function of DNA polymerase?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of complementary base pairing in DNA?

Back

Complementary base pairing ensures accurate replication and transcription of DNA, where adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.

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 are Okazaki fragments?

Back

Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Front

What is the role of ligase in DNA replication?

Back

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

Front

What is a replication fork?

Back

The Y-shaped region where the DNA double helix is unwound and replicated.

Front

What is the purpose of the primase enzyme in DNA replication?

Back

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