1.2 Replication of DNA Flashcards
What is ‘DNA Replication’?
Process by which the Cell makes an identical copy of their DNA at the beginning of each cell division
Why is DNA replication important?
Ensures each daughter cell has an IDENTICAL copy of genetic material inherited from parent cell and NO GENETIC INFORMATION IS LOST
What are the key requirements for DNA Replication?
- DNA Polymerase
- Template DNA strand
- Primer
- Ligase
- ATP
- Free DNA nucleotides
What is the function of DNA Polymerase in replication
Adds free complementary nucleotides to the parent strand starting at 3’ end and forms strong chemical bonds between phosphate and sugars of DNA strand.
Why is an original DNA strand needed?
To provide the template to be copied
What is a primer?
A short sequence of DNA nucleotides that initiates replication and allows DNA polymerase to start adding nucleotides
What is Ligase used for in DNA replication?
Joins together the DNA fragments
Why is ATP needed in DNA replication?
To provide energy to break the bonds between bases when DNA is being unwound
State the steps in DNA replication
- DNA is unwound, hydrogen bonds break between bases and a replication fork is formed
- A primer is added to a complementary sequence at the 3’ end
- DNA polymerase comes along and starts adding free complementary nucleotides to the 3’ end, and DNA Polymerase forms a strong sugar phosphate bond between nucleotides
- Replication is continuous on the leading strand but discontinuous on the lagging strand due to the antiparallel nature of DNA
- DNA fragments are joined together by Ligase and hydrogen bonds form between bases
What are the two strands in DNA replication?
Leading strand and Lagging Strand
Describe the replication of the lagging strand
Discontinuous due to antiparallel nature of DNA
DNA fragments are formed
Fragments must be glued together by Ligase
What side can new nucleotides be added to?
3’
What glues DNA fragments together?
Ligase
What does PCR stand for?
Polymerase Chain Reaction
What is PCR?
PCR is the amplification of DNA sequences in vitro by thermocycling