DEBio 14 DNA vocab flashcard

Front

What is the difference between spontaneous and induced mutations?

Back

Spontaneous mutations occur naturally; induced mutations result from external agents.

Front

What is the role of a primer in DNA replication?

Back

It provides a starting point for DNA synthesis.

Front

What is the function of single-strand binding proteins during DNA replication?

Back

They prevent damage and maintain stability of DNA.

Front

What is a point mutation?

Back

A mutation that affects a single base.

Front

What is transformation in bacterial cells?

Back

It is the uptake of external DNA by a cell.

Front

What are the three main types of mutations?

Back

Point mutations, insertions, and deletions.

Front

What is the significance of Okazaki fragments in DNA replication?

Back

They are short DNA sequences synthesized on the lagging strand.

Front

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Back

It synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shifts the reading frame.

Front

What is the function of ligase in DNA replication?

Back

It joins Okazaki fragments together to form a continuous strand.