DNA Replication Flashcards
How is replicating DNA conserved
Semi-conserved. One parent (original) strand, one daughter (new) strand.
What is different about the origin of DNA replication in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Prokaryotes - Only one origin
Eukaryotes - Multiple origins
Why is necessary for a DNA replication origin to occur
Binding sites for initiator proteins/origin recognition proteins
Something to unwind/distort the DNA
Sometimes need binding sites for transcription activation proteins.
Overall sequence is AT rich
What is the mechanism by which DNA polymerase makes a polymer
DNA strand separation exposes the hydrogen bond donor/acceptor groups on each base.
DNA pol uses this to add free nucleotides to the 3’ OH end of the chain.
The new nucleotide loses 2 phosphate groups in this.
What is semi-discontinuous DNA replication and why does it occur
Antiparallel strands of DNA.
DNA pol can only code in the 3’ direction.
The 5’-3’ (leading) strand can be synthesised straight away.
The 3’-5’ (lagging) strand is semi-discontinuous. Requires specialist bits to recruit DNApol to site further ahead, and it codes backwards. Creates Okazaki fragments which are stuck together by DNA ligase.
What is the main structural difference between prokaryote and eukaryote DNA
Prokaryote - naked DNA
Eukaryote - as chromatin, wrapped around a histone.
What proteins are involved in the initial stages of DNA replication
Initiator proteins (P) / ORC complex (E). Helicase
How does a helicase function
Unwinds DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands together (hydrolysis)
How can a helicase be identified in vitro
Radioactively label DNA (if helicase present DNA will unwind)(observed in gel electrophoresis)
Fragment displacement assay. radioactively labelled DNA is hybridised to ss circular DNA (complementary). If helicase present DNA unwinds and fragment dissociates from the circular DNA.
What is the importance of single strand (ss) DNA binding proteins in DNA replication
They assist in helix-opining processes, then stabilise the unwound DNA.
They bind to DNA without shielding bases.
What is the point of a priming event
To provide a 3’ OH group on the template DNA strand. Allows DNA pol to work.
Single primer for leading strand; multiple needed on the lagging strand.
Carried out by a primase enzyme (DNAG in prokaryotes)
What is the structure of a eukaryotic primase enzyme
4 subunits.
1 alpha primase subunit which has DNA polymerase activity
What is required to catalyse primase activity
A template to bind to Nucleotide binding Synthesis initiation Extension to a functional primer Transfer to DNA pol.
What is the process of DNA replication (in prokaryotes/eukaryotes)
ABF1 binds to origin (E)
Initiator complex binds (DNA(A/C)/ ORC)
Helicase binds (DNAB/ MCMs)
Replication initiated (SSB, Gyrase/ R(P/F)A, Topo 2)
Replication elongation (DNAG, RNA primer / DNA pol 1, RNA primer, Initiator DNA)
Elongation stage 2 (DNA pol 3/DNA pol 2)
How accurate is DNA replication
Very. Replicases have proofreading activity. Mutations occur in ~ 1 in 10^-8/10.
How does DNA polymerase act as a proof-reader
Nucleotide enters vacant site of DNA pol.
DNA pol advances 1 nucleotide.
If nucleotide is not correct, polymerase activity is inactivated; DNA pol goes back. Exonuclease activity activated. Removes nucleotide.
DNA pol tries again
Describe the three types of DNA polymerase present in e.coli
DNA pol I (most common);
Monomer, polymerase, exonuclease (both direction). Involved in DNA replication and repair.
DNA pol II;
Monomer, polymerase, 3’-5’ exonuclease activity. Involved in DNA repair
DNA pol III;
Multimer, polymerase, 3’-5’ exonuclease. Involved in DNA replication.