DNA Replication

Front

What is DNA replication?

Back

DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA, allowing genetic information to be passed on during cell division.

Front

What are the main enzymes involved in DNA replication?

Back

The main enzymes involved in DNA replication are helicase, primase, DNA polymerase, and ligase.

Front

What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase unwinds and separates the double-stranded DNA into single strands, allowing replication to occur.

Front

What is the function of DNA polymerase?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the S phase in the cell cycle?

Back

The S phase is the part of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Front

How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication differ?

Back

Prokaryotes have circular DNA with a single origin of replication, while eukaryotes have linear DNA with multiple origins of 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 during replication.

Front

What is the role of primase in DNA replication?

Back

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

Front

What is the function of ligase in DNA replication?

Back

Ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand by forming phosphodiester bonds between them.

Front

What are Okazaki fragments?

Back

Okazaki fragments are short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.