DNA Replication Diagram Quiz

Study Notes

DNA Replication Key Components

Single-Stranded Binding Protein: Stabilizes and protects single-stranded DNA to prevent premature re-annealing during replication.
Helicase: Unwinds the DNA double helix, creating two separate strands for replication.
Primase: Synthesizes a short RNA primer necessary for starting DNA strand synthesis.

DNA Synthesis Mechanisms

Leading Strand: Continuously synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction, allowing smooth elongation alongside the template strand.
Lagging Strand: Synthesized discontinuously in short segments known as Okazaki fragments, in the 3' to 5' direction, later joined together.
Okazaki Fragments: Short segments formed during lagging strand synthesis, requiring ligation to create a continuous DNA strand.

Enzymes Involved in DNA Replication

DNA Polymerase (Leading Strand): Responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand exclusively in the 5' to 3' direction.
DNA Polymerase (Lagging Strand): Works on Okazaki fragments, synthesizing DNA in the 3' to 5' direction, but the fragments are assembled into the growing strand in the 5' to 3' direction.
Ligase: Connects and seals the gaps between Okazaki fragments, forming a continuous DNA strand.
Topoisomerase: Relieves the stress of supercoiling by making temporary cuts in the DNA, allowing it to unwind and rejoin after replication progresses.

RNA in DNA Replication

RNA Primer: Initial segment of RNA synthesized by primase that provides a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin replication.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key components of DNA replication with this labeling diagram quiz. Each card provides important terms and definitions relevant to the replication process. Perfect for biology students at any level!