DNA and DNA Replication

Front

What is DNA?

Back

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

Front

What is the function of DNA ligase?

Back

DNA ligase is an enzyme that connects the DNA fragments together by forming phosphodiester bonds, effectively 'gluing' the DNA backbone.

Front

What does 'semi-conservative' mean in the context of DNA replication?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of DNA polymerase?

Back

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand during replication.

Front

What are the building blocks of DNA?

Back

The building blocks of DNA are nucleotides, which consist of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).

Front

What is the structure of DNA?

Back

DNA has a double helix structure, consisting of two long strands of nucleotides twisted around each other, with bases pairing in the center.

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). A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.

Front

What is the significance of the 5' and 3' ends of a DNA strand?

Back

The 5' and 3' ends refer to the directionality of the DNA strand. DNA strands are antiparallel, meaning one runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'.

Front

What is a replication fork?

Back

A replication fork is the area where the DNA double helix is unwound and separated into two single strands during replication.