DNA Replication

Front

What phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication take place?

Back

S phase.

Front

Why is DNA replication described as semi-conservative?

Back

It results in two identical molecules, each with one original strand and one new strand.

Front

How many origins of replication are typically represented in a DNA replication diagram?

Back

It can vary, but in this case, there are 4 origins of replication.

Front

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Back

DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Front

What enzyme unwinds the DNA double helix during replication?

Back

Helicase.

Front

What is the function of DNA ligase in DNA replication?

Back

DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, sealing nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone.

Front

What are Okazaki fragments?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the replication fork?

Back

The replication fork is the area where the DNA double helix is unwound and replication occurs.

Front

What is the role of primase in DNA replication?

Back

Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer to provide a starting point for DNA synthesis.

Front

What are the building blocks of DNA?

Back

Nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.