DNA Replication Flashcards
DNA replication
the process of creating an exact copy of a molecule of DNA
Replication origin
specific nucleotide sequence where replication begins
Helicase
an enzyme that breaks segments of DNA during DNA replication; used in technologies to fragment DNA
Replication bubble
oval-shaped, unwound area within a DNA molecule that is being replicated
Replication fork
during DNA replication, Y-shaped points at which the DNA helix is unwound and new strands develop
Elongation
the process of joining nucleotides to extend a new strand of DNA; relies on the action of DNA polymerase
DNA polymerase
an enzyme that slips into the space between two strands of DNA during replication to add DNA nucleotides in order to make complementary strands
RNA primer
short strand of RNA that is complementary to a DNA template and serves as a starting point for the attachment of new DNA nucleotides
Primase
an enzyme n DNA replication that forms an RNA primer, which is sued as starting point for the elongation of nucleotide chains
Leading strand
the strand that is replicated continuously in DNA replication
Lagging strand
the strand that is replicated in short segments during DNA replication
Okazaki fragments
short nucleotide fragments synthesized during DNA replication of the lagging strand
DNA ligase
enzyme that splices together Okazaki fragments during DNA replication of the lagging strand, or sticky ends that have been cut by a restriction endonuclease enzyme
Termination
the completion of the new DNA strands and the dismantling of the replication machine
Genetic code
the order of base pairs in a DNA molecule
