DNA Replication Flashcards
What are the three steps of DNA Replication?
The three steps of DNA replication are: initiation, elongation, and termination. Initiation involves the unwinding of the DNA double helix and the separation of the two strands, creating a replication fork. Elongation involves the addition of new nucleotides to each of the separated strands by DNA polymerase. Termination involves the completion of the replication process and the winding of the two newly synthesized DNA molecules back into double helixes.
What enzyme connects the new nucleotides during the process of DNA replication?
DNA Polymerase
When does DNA replication occur in a cell?
DNA replication occurs during the S (synthesis) phase of the cell cycle, which is part of the interphase. During the S phase, the cell replicates its DNA in preparation for cell division.
What is the result of DNA Replication?
The result of DNA replication is the formation of two identical copies of the original DNA molecule, each consisting of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a change that occurs in the DNA sequence of an organism’s genome
What are some possible causes of mutation? How do cells repair mutations?
Some possible causes of mutations include errors during DNA replication, exposure to radiation or chemicals, and the activity of mobile genetic elements like transposons. Mutations can also occur spontaneously, as a result of DNA damage caused by normal metabolic processes within the cell. Cells repair mutations through mechanisms such as proofreading during DNA replication, DNA repair pathways, and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in case of severe DNA damage that cannot be repaired. Proofreading mechanisms can correct errors during DNA replication, while DNA repair pathways can fix various types of DNA damage caused by mutagens, such as radiation or chemicals. Programmed cell death can be triggered in cases where DNA damage is too severe to repair.
What are the possible effects of mutations on the body?
Harmful effects: Mutations that disrupt normal gene function can lead to various diseases, such as cancer, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Beneficial effects: Mutations can also lead to beneficial traits, such as resistance to diseases or enhanced physical abilities.
Neutral effects: Some mutations have no effect on the body or gene function.
Silent mutations: Silent mutations are those that do not result in any change to the amino acid sequence of a protein and therefore have no effect on its function.
Dominant negative mutations: These are mutations that produce altered proteins that can interfere with the function of normal proteins.
Mutations in which cells get passed onto offspring?
Mutations that occur in the cells that produce gametes (sperm and egg cells) can be passed on to offspring. These cells are known as germ cells, and mutations that occur in them are known as germ line mutations.
