Molecular Biology DNA Replication Quiz

Primase is an RNA polymerase that creates short RNA segments called primers, necessary for DNA replication initiation.

Primers are short RNA segments that provide a 3' end for DNA polymerase to initiate adding DNA nucleotides during replication.

Enzymes that add nucleotides to a growing DNA strand, along a template, from the 5' to 3' end of the new strand.

Continuous DNA replication on the strand oriented 3' to 5' along the template; it requires only one primer.

Discontinuous DNA replication on the strand oriented 5' to 3' (template is 3' to 5'); it synthesizes in segments called Okazaki fragments.

Short DNA fragments formed during lagging strand synthesis; joined together to form a continuous strand.

DNA polymerase adds nucleotides only to the 3' end of a growing strand, leading strands are made in the same direction as the replication fork, while lagging strands are made in the opposite direction.

DNA synthesis requires a primer for initiation. The enzyme primase creates this required primer to provide the 3' hydroxyl group for DNA polymerase to start adding bases.

The building blocks of DNA; each nucleotide has a sugar, base, and three phosphate groups needed during DNA synthesis

A technique used to study the molecular structure of DNA by analyzing how X-rays diffract (bend) as they pass through a crystalized sample.

The double helix shape of DNA, composed of two strands of nucleotides wound around each other.

The specific way nitrogenous bases (A, T, G, C) connect to form the DNA double helix.

The two strands of DNA run in opposite directions.

A method of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.

The principle that the quantities of A and T bases are equal, and the quantities of G and C bases are also equal in DNA.

The process of copying DNA, creating two identical DNA molecules from one original.

A type of nitrogenous base (A,G) with a double-ring structure.

A type of nitrogenous base (T,C) with a single-ring structure.

A large complex of proteins involved in DNA replication.

A model of DNA replication where two DNA polymerase molecules extrude new strands.

DNA polymerase's ability to check and correct errors during DNA synthesis.

Mechanisms that correct base-pairing errors after DNA replication.

A DNA repair system that removes and replaces damaged DNA segments.

Changes in DNA sequence are the raw material for evolution.

Repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of linear chromosomes.

Telomeres shorten with each cell division; this potentially contributes to cellular aging.

Telomeres include an RNA template to extend the DNA strand.

Some cancerous cells can inappropriately activate telomeres.

Both DNA strands are synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction.

Continuously synthesized DNA strand, requiring only one primer.

Discontinuously synthesized DNA strand, in short fragments (Okazaki fragments).

Short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Short RNA sequences that initiate DNA synthesis. Lagging strand needs multiple primers to start new fragments.

Main enzyme for DNA synthesis in prokaryotes. Continues on leading, stops before next okazaki fragments (lagging).

Removes RNA primers and fills in gaps with DNA on the lagging strand.

A hybrid structure where RNA primers are temporary part of newly synthesized DNA.

DNA polymerase activity that removes RNA primers during DNA replication.

DNA polymerase activity that adds DNA nucleotides to extend the new DNA strand.

Enzyme that joins together Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.

Cannot fill gaps, add nucleotides, or fix double-strand breaks.

Human DNA replicates at 3,000 nucleotides per minute, bacterial DNA at 30,000.

Starting points for DNA replication, where the DNA strands are separated to form a bubble.

Y-shaped area where DNA strands are unwound during replication.

Enzymes that unwind DNA double helix at replication forks.

Proteins that stabilize separated DNA strands.

Enzyme that relieves strain ahead of replication fork.

Requires a primer to start adding nucleotides.

Enzyme that creates RNA primers on DNA template.

A complex of DNA and proteins in the eukaryotic nucleus, organized for storage and regulation of genetic information.

Proteins that package DNA into nucleosomes, the fundamental units of chromatin.

A fundamental unit of chromatin, consisting of DNA wrapped around a core of 8 histone proteins.

Condensed chromatin, generally inactive in transcription (gene expression).

Less condensed chromatin, readily accessible for gene expression.

A more compact structure of chromatin formed by the coiling of nucleosomes.

Chemical changes to histones that affect the accessibility of DNA for transcription.

A histone modification that typically represses gene expression.

A histone modification that typically activates gene expression.

The process by which chromatin becomes progressively more compact during mitosis.

The highly condensed form of a chromosome during mitosis, easily visible under a microscope

A powerful genetic engineering tool used to edit DNA; Cas9 is an enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific location, guided by a short RNA molecule.

Disabling a gene to study its function; this is done by using CRISPR-Cas9 to cut the gene's DNA.

A technique using CRISPR-Cas9 to make an allele more likely to be inherited by offspring.

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene.

Diseases transmitted by insects, e.g., malaria, Zika.

Moral principles and values that should be considered when using a new technology.

A technique to make many copies of a specific DNA segment.

Three-step process (denaturation, annealing, extension) that exponentially amplifies DNA.

Heat-stable enzyme that adds nucleotides to DNA strands during PCR.

Separating DNA strands through high temperature (94°C).

Attaching primers to DNA strands at lower temperature (50-56°C).

DNA polymerase adds nucleotides in order; 72°C.

Determining the precise order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.

A method used for DNA sequencing.

Faster, cheaper DNA sequencing methods.

A DNA sequencing method that uses nanopores.

The base pairing of one strand of nucleic acid to another, complementary sequence, forming the basis for many genetic engineering techniques.

The process of making multiple copies of a specific DNA segment (gene).

Small circular DNA molecule that replicates independently of a cell's main chromosome; often used in genetic engineering.

Newly generated DNA molecule that contains DNA from two different sources.

Producing many copies of a single gene.

Plasmid that carries the cloned DNA.

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific DNA sequences.

Specific DNA sequences recognized and cut by restriction enzymes.

Pieces of DNA created by restriction enzyme cuts.

Single-stranded ends of DNA fragments that are complementary and can bond together.

Enzyme that joins DNA fragments.

Laboratory technique for separating DNA fragments by size.

The process of copying DNA to produce two identical DNA molecules from a single original DNA molecule.

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

Single-stranded binding proteins that keep the unwound DNA strands separated.

The strand synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction during DNA replication.

The strand synthesized discontinuously in short fragments (Okazaki fragments) during DNA replication.

Short DNA fragments made during lagging strand synthesis.

The primary enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.

Removes RNA primers and replaces them with DNA nucleotides during DNA replication.

Joins the Okazaki fragments together to form a continuous DNA strand.

A circular, supercoiled DNA molecule found in the nucleoid region of a bacterial cell.

Multiple linear DNA molecules associated with proteins called histones.

A process of coiling and twisting of DNA to compact it into a smaller space.