DNA Replication Flashcards
where is DNA found
in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells
describe DNA and it’s functions
- stores and transmits genetic information from one generation to the next
- double stranded nucleic acids made up of nucleotides arranged in a double-helix
what are the nucleotide base pairs
Adenine - thymine
Guanine - cytosine
what do cells need to do to have a complete copy of genetic information
cells need to make a copy of dna before dividing so that each daughter cell has a complete copy of genetic information
what is the process of copying dna called
replication
what happens during replication
each strand of original dna acts as a template for replication
- two identical dna molecules are produced
- where does a dna replication take place
- when does it occur
- describe interphase
- takes place in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells
- occurs before a cell divides during interphase (happens during the S phase of interphase)
- cells prepare for cell division, grow, replicate DNA, and perform normal cell activities during interphase
dna replication follows the semi-conservative model, describe it
(basically the new strand of dna contains 1 original + 1 new strand)
- two strands of dna unwind from one another
- base pairing allows each strand to serve as a template for a new complimentary strand
-produces two identical dna molecules (1 OG+ 1 new stand)
describe dna replication in 3 steps
- hydrogen bonds between bases break and the helix unwinds into two strands
- each strand of dna acts as a template for base-pairing and synthesis of a new complementary strand
- replication produces two identical dna double-helix strands (each w 1 OG + 1 new strand)
name the 5 replication enzymes
1) helicase
2) topoisomerase
3) primase
4) DNA polymerase
5) ligase
describe enzymes
- proteins that can build up or break down the substances that they act upon
- enzymes also have the ability to speed up chemical reactions
- enzymes assist in DNA replication
1) helicase
unwinds or unzips the double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases
- this forms a replication fork (the point at which two strands of DNA are separated and allow replication of each strand)
2) topoisomerase
prevents the DNA double helix from becoming too tightly wounded
- topoisomerase moves ahead of the replication fork as DNA is unzipped by helicase
- it creates temporary nicks in the helix to release tension and prevent DNA from supercoiling
- it later seals up the nicks to avoid permanent damage
DNA polymerase
replicates the DNA molecules to build a new strand of DNA
- reads the nucleotide sequence of the template strand and constructs a complementary strand of DNA
- proofreads for and repairs any nucleotide sequence mismatches during replication
Primase
makes a primer that signal DNA Polymerase to where to add nucleotides
- makes an RNA primer complementary to the DNA template strand
- once the primer is in place, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides one by one to make a new DNA strand thats complementary to the template strand