Biology Chapter: DNA Replication

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of genetic material?

  • To facilitate cell division.
  • To produce energy for cellular functions.
  • To destroy unwanted genetic material.
  • To express hereditary traits. (correct)

What type of DNA replication was validated by the Meselson and Stahl experiment?

  • Transformative replication.
  • Conservative replication.
  • Semi-conservative replication. (correct)
  • Dispersive replication.

What is the role of DNA helicase during DNA replication?

  • To create RNA primers.
  • To unzip the DNA double helix. (correct)
  • To remove RNA primers.
  • To add nucleotides.

How does the leading strand differ from the lagging strand in DNA replication?

<p>The leading strand synthesizes continuously, while lagging synthesizes discontinuously. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of topoisomerase during DNA replication?

<p>To relieve tension as DNA unwinds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for adding nucleotides during DNA synthesis?

<p>DNA Polymerase III (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During DNA replication, which enzyme removes RNA primers and replaces them with DNA?

<p>DNA Polymerase I (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Okazaki fragments associated with in DNA replication?

<p>Discontinuous synthesis of the lagging strand. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the final result of DNA replication?

<p>Two semi-conservative DNA molecules, each with one old and one new strand. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

DNA Replication

The process by which DNA replicates, ensuring that genetic information is accurately passed from one generation to the next.

Conservative Replication

A model of DNA replication where one parental DNA strand remains intact, while the other is used as a template to create a completely new strand.

Semi-Conservative Replication

A model of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Dispersive Replication

A model of DNA replication where the parental DNA is broken down into smaller fragments, and new DNA is synthesized in a mix of original and new segments.

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Replication Fork

The site where DNA replication begins. It's like an opening point where the double helix unwinds.

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DNA Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix, breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases.

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Topoisomerase

An enzyme that relieves the tension caused by unwinding DNA, preventing supercoiling.

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RNA Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes short RNA primers, providing a starting point for DNA polymerase to attach.

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DNA Polymerase III

The main enzyme responsible for adding new nucleotides to a growing DNA strand. It reads the parental strand and builds a complementary daughter strand.

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Study Notes

Central Dogma Concept

  • Genetic material stores and passes genetic information for the next generation.
  • It expresses hereditary traits.

DNA Replication Models

  • Conservative: One helix with old DNA and one with new DNA is produced.
  • Semi-conservative: DNA helices are produced with one old and one new strand (proven by Meselson-Stahl).
  • Dispersive: DNA helices have mixed segments of old and new DNA.

Meselson and Stahl Experiment

  • Setup: E. coli was grown in heavy nitrogen (15N) then switched to light nitrogen (14N). DNA densities were analyzed across generations.
  • Conclusion: DNA replicates semi-conservatively.

Steps in DNA Replication

Unwinding

  • DNA helicase unwinds the double helix at the replication fork.

Stabilization

  • Topoisomerase reduces tension caused by unwinding.
  • Single-strand binding proteins prevent the strands from recoiling.

Strand Synthesis

  • Leading strand: Continuous synthesis in 5' to 3' direction, using an RNA primer and DNA polymerase III.
  • Lagging strand: Discontinuous synthesis using Okazaki fragments . RNA primers, DNA polymerase I, and DNA ligase seal the gaps.

Final Result

  • Two semi-conservative DNA molecules are produced, each with one original and one newly formed strand.

Enzymes Involved

  • DNA Helicase: Unwinds the DNA.
  • Topoisomerase: Relieves tension during unwinding.
  • RNA Primase: Creates RNA primers.
  • DNA Polymerase III: The main enzyme adding nucleotides.
  • DNA Polymerase I: Removes RNA primers and replaces them with DNA.
  • DNA Ligase: Joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.

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