DNA Replication Process

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of DNA replication in a cell?

To copy the entire genome so that each resulting daughter cell ends up with its own complete genome

What are the three stages of DNA replication?

Initiation, elongation, and termination

What is the main enzyme responsible for DNA replication?

DNA Polymerase

What is the significance of the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication?

Each newly replicated DNA molecule consists of one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized (daughter) strand Signup and view all the answers

Why is the antiparallel nature of DNA strands necessary?

To form the hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the strands in a DNA double helix?

They run in opposite directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the leading strand and lagging strand in DNA replication?

The leading strand is replicated continuously in the 3' to 5' direction, while the lagging strand is replicated discontinuously in the 5' to 3' direction via Okazaki fragments. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the ends of a DNA molecule labeled 5' and 3'?

The numbers 5' and 3' refer to the number of carbon atoms in a deoxyribose sugar molecule that a phosphate group binds to. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers DNA replication?

The initiation of DNA replication occurs in two steps: an initiator protein unwinds a short stretch of the DNA double helix, and then a protein called helicase attaches to and breaks apart the hydrogen bonds between the bases on the DNA strands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

DNA polymerase helps in the polymerization of nucleotides, catalyzes and regularizes the whole process of DNA replication with the support of other enzymes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of DNA ligase in DNA replication?

DNA ligase joins the Okazaki fragments together to form a continuous strand. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of DNA polymerase, and what are their functions?

There are three types of DNA polymerase: DNA polymerase I (involved in DNA repair), DNA polymerase II (responsible for primer extension and proofreading), and DNA polymerase III (responsible for in vivo DNA replication). Signup and view all the answers