3.1.5.2 DNA replication Flashcards
What does Semi-conservative replication ensure?
It ensures genetic continuity between generations of cells.
Describe the Process of semi-conservative replication of DNA?
❥ Firstly, the DNA double helix is unwinded by an enzyme called DNA Helicase.
❥ The DNA Helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases
in the polynucleotide strands.
❥ Now two single Polynucleotide strands have formed.
❥ Each of these single polynucleotide DNA Strands act as templates for the formation of a new strand made from free nucleotides attracted to the exposed DNA bases by base pairing.
❥ The new nucleotides are then joined together by DNA Polymerase which catalyses condensation reactions to form a new strand.
❥ The original strand and the new strand joined together through hydrogen bonding between base pairs to form the new DNA molecule
Why is the replication of DNA described as semi-conservative?
W
