DNA Replication Flashcards
Where/when does DNA replication occur?
replication happens in the nucleus of the cell before interphase and division
What are the 4 main enzymes?
helicase, DNA polymerase, primase and ligase
What does helicase do?
this is the unzipping enzyme, breaks hydrogen bonds
What does DNA polymerase do?
this is the builder enzyme, replicates DNA molecules, and builds another strand
What does primase do?
the initializer, creates primer for polymerase, made from RNA
What does ligase do?
gluer enzyme, connected DNA fragments
How does DNA replication happen?
it starts at the specific origin, helicase unwinds DNA and breaks bonds. The strands of DNA separate, free nucleotides are attached to exposed bases of loose DNA. New hydrogen bonds between nucleotides form.
Why does DNA replication result in semi conservative DNA?
The first replication splits the strands, therefor 2 cells with identical DNA. Next they are split again and now there are 2 cells in identical DNA (half old half new), but the other 2 are full new DNA.
