DNA structure

Front

What is DNA replication?

Back

DNA replication is the process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself, ensuring that each new cell receives an identical set of DNA during cell division.

Front

What role does DNA ligase play in DNA replication?

Back

DNA ligase is an enzyme that repairs the breaks in the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA, particularly in the Okazaki fragments during replication.

Front

What are base pairs in DNA?

Back

Base pairs are pairs of nitrogenous bases (adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine) that connect the two strands of DNA, forming the rungs of the DNA ladder.

Front

What is the significance of the sugar-phosphate backbone in DNA?

Back

The sugar-phosphate backbone provides structural support to the DNA molecule, holding the nitrogenous bases in place and forming the sides of the DNA ladder.

Front

What happens to the base pairs during DNA replication?

Back

During DNA replication, the base pairs are separated to allow each strand to serve as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand.

Front

What is the function of DNA helicase?

Back

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

Front

How do the percentages of guanine and cytosine relate in DNA?

Back

According to Chargaff's rules, the percentage of guanine (G) in a DNA molecule is equal to the percentage of cytosine (C), as they pair together.

Front

What is the role of RNA primase in DNA replication?

Back

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

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 purpose of DNA polymerase?

Back

DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during replication, ensuring the correct base pairing.