DNA replication

Question 1

Give an overview of DNA replication

Answer 1

DNA double helix unwinds
Each DNA strand acts as a template
Exposed bases bind to free floating DNA nucleotides in the nucleoplasm
DNA polymerase binds the complementary nucleotides

Question 2

What does DNA helicase do in replication

Answer 2

Breaks the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs
This unwinds the DNA double helix

Question 3

What do exposed bases bind to

Answer 3

Free floating DNA nucleotides in the nucleoplasm

Question 4

What does DNA polymerase do in replication

Answer 4

Binds adjacent nucleotides with phosphodiester bonds

Question 5

What does semi-conservative DNA mean

Answer 5

Each new daughter molecule DNA contains one old strand from the original parent molecule and one new strand

Question 6

Describe semi-conservative replication

Answer 6

Original stands of DNA separate and each acts as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand
Each new molecule contains one old strand and one genetically identical new strand

Question 7

What did Meselson and Stahl attempt to prove in their experiment

Answer 7

DNA replication occurred semi-conservatively