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Questions and Answers
What role does DNA Topoisomerase play during DNA replication?
What role does DNA Topoisomerase play during DNA replication?
Which statement about DNA Polymerase is true?
Which statement about DNA Polymerase is true?
What distinguishes the leading strand from the lagging strand during DNA replication?
What distinguishes the leading strand from the lagging strand during DNA replication?
In eukaryotes, what is the function of DNA Polymerase γ?
In eukaryotes, what is the function of DNA Polymerase γ?
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Which of the following best describes a degenerate codon?
Which of the following best describes a degenerate codon?
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Study Notes
DNA Replication Enzymes
- DNA Helicase: Binds to DNA, moves 5' to 3', separating strands using ATP, and advancing the replication fork.
- DNA Topoisomerase: Relieves DNA supercoiling ahead of the replication fork.
- Single-Strand Binding Proteins (SSBs): Maintain the parental DNA strands separated, providing templates.
- DNA Polymerase: Copies DNA by assembling nucleotides
- dNTPs: Have three phosphate groups, breaking bonds releases energy to connect nucleotides.
- Primer Requirement: DNA Polymerase cannot initiate synthesis on bare DNA templates; it needs a primer.
- 5' to 3' Directionality: DNA polymerase synthesizes in the 5' to 3' direction.
- Proofreading Capability: Some DNA polymerases can proofread newly added nucleotides.
DNA Replication Strands
- Leading Strand: Synthesized continuously in the same direction as the replication fork; requires a single RNA primer.
- Lagging Strand (Okazaki Fragments): Synthesized discontinuously in fragments (Okazaki fragments) because it is opposite the direction of the replication fork; multiple RNA primers are needed.
Bacterial DNA Polymerases
- DNA Polymerase III: Main replication enzyme, crucial for the majority of DNA replication. Multiple subunits.
- DNA Polymerase I: Removes RNA primers and fills in the gaps with DNA. Single subunit.
- DNA Polymerases II, IV, and V: Involved in DNA repair, including replication of damaged DNA.
Eukaryotic DNA Polymerases
- Diverse Set: Humans possess numerous (12+) DNA polymerases.
- DNA Polymerase α: Its own built-in primase subunit.
- DNA Polymerases δ and ε: More efficient synthesis than α.
- DNA Polymerase γ: Specialized in mitochondrial DNA replication.
Genetic Code and Translation
- Codons: Three nucleotides (codon) specify an amino acid; more than one codon can code for the same amino acid.
- Start and Stop Codons: Specific codons signal the start (AUG) and end (UAA, UAG, UGA) of protein synthesis.
- Transfer RNA (tRNA): Carries anti-codons to ribosomes, facilitating protein synthesis based on codons.
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Description
Explore the essential enzymes and processes involved in DNA replication. This quiz covers DNA helicase, topoisomerase, and the distinctions between leading and lagging strands. Test your knowledge on how these components work together to ensure accurate DNA synthesis.