DNA Structure & Replication

Front

What is the structure of DNA?

Back

DNA is a double helix formed by two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other, with a sugar-phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) paired in the center.

Front

What are nucleotides?

Back

Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Front

What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase is the enzyme that unzips and unwinds the DNA double helix, separating the two strands to allow replication.

Front

What type of bond joins nitrogenous bases in DNA?

Back

Hydrogen bonds join nitrogenous bases in DNA, allowing the strands to separate easily during replication.

Front

What does it mean that DNA replication is semi-conservative?

Back

Semi-conservative means that each new DNA molecule consists of one original (parent) strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Front

What are the four nitrogenous bases in DNA?

Back

The four nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

Front

How do adenine and thymine pair in DNA?

Back

Adenine pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds.

Front

How do cytosine and guanine pair in DNA?

Back

Cytosine pairs with guanine through three hydrogen bonds.

Front

What is the function of DNA polymerase?

Back

DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand during replication.

Front

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

Back

The sugar-phosphate backbone provides structural support and stability to the DNA molecule, allowing it to maintain its double helix shape.