DNA Replication Fork Terms Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is helicase?

A strand of DNA being replicated continuously

An enzyme that removes all the primers in the lagging strand

An enzyme that binds to the primer

The protein that separates the two strands of DNA (correct)

What is a replication fork?

The area where the replication of DNA will take place.

What does DNA polymerase do?

It binds to the primer and makes a new strand of DNA.

Which direction is the leading strand replicated?

5' to 3' Signup and view all the answers

What is the lagging strand?

A strand that cannot continuously produce DNA because it runs in the opposite direction. Signup and view all the answers

What are Okazaki fragments?

Small chunks of DNA produced by DNA polymerase on the lagging strand. Signup and view all the answers

What is exonuclease?

An enzyme that removes all the primers in the lagging strand. Signup and view all the answers

What does ligase do?

It fills up the fragments of DNA and zips up the two strands to form a double strand. Signup and view all the answers

What does semiconservative mean in the context of DNA replication?

Each molecule is made up of one conserved strand and one new strand. Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of replication?

The region in DNA where the sequence is initiated. Signup and view all the answers

What direction does DNA polymerase work?

5' to 3' direction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DNA Replication Fork Terms

Helicase: A protein responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix, allowing the two strands to separate during replication.
Replication Fork: The structure formed during DNA replication, where the two separated strands resemble a fork, indicating where the replication occurs.
DNA Polymerase: An essential enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by binding to RNA primers. It adds nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction and fills gaps left by primers.
Leading Strand: This strand of DNA is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction, allowing for uninterrupted replication by DNA polymerase.
Lagging Strand: Unlike the leading strand, this strand is synthesized discontinuously due to its opposite orientation relative to the replication fork.
Okazaki Fragments: Short segments of DNA produced on the lagging strand due to its reverse direction; each fragment is initiated by an RNA primer.
Exonuclease: An enzyme that removes RNA primers from the lagging strand after replication to ensure only DNA remains.
Ligase: An enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments together and seals nicks in the DNA, completing the formation of a continuous double-stranded DNA molecule.
Semiconservative: Describes the mechanism of DNA replication, where each new DNA molecule consists of one original (conserved) strand and one newly synthesized strand.
Origin of Replication: The specific site on the DNA where replication begins, triggering the unwinding of the double helix.
5' to 3' Direction: The orientation in which DNA polymerase adds nucleotides, advancing the elongation of the new DNA strand.

Description

Explore key terms related to DNA replication with these flashcards. Learn about the role of helicase, replication forks, and DNA polymerase in the intricate process of DNA unzipping and strand synthesis. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of molecular biology concepts.