DNA Replication Flashcards
Who proposed that DNAs structure allowed it to be replicated?
Watson and Crick
Define semi conservative replication.
Each newly replication DNA helix consists of one strand from the parent helix and one newly synthesized daughter strand.
What does the structure of DNA account for?
Storage and transmission of genetic material.
What did Meselson and Stahl prove in 1957?
They proved that DNA replication is semiconservative.
What did Kornberg describe in 1958?
The purification of DNA polymerase I from E. Coli which synthesizes DNA.
How does replication in bacteria begin?
At a single origin
How does replication of bacteria proceed from its single origin?
Bidirectionally
What is a replication fork?
The point where replicating bacterias loops end.
What does replication via DNA polymerases require?
A template and a primer
What is a template?
A DNA strand used to specify the nucleotides to be incorporated into the daughter strand
What is a primer?
A segment of nucleic acid bases paired to the template and with a free 3’-OH
Define processivity.
The number of bases synthesized before the DNA polymerase enzyme dissociates from the template.
Is polymerization thermodynamically favored?
Yes
Are DNA polymerases accurate?
Yes
What form of repair makes DNA polymerases more accurate?
Mismatch repair
How do errors in replication occur?
Incorrect base pairing
Creation of tautomers
Define tautomers?
Same atomic composition, slightly different chemical structure.
How does DNA polymerase I proofread?
With 3’ - 5’ exonuclease activity which acts only on base just incorporated, no others
What is the function of DNA polymerase I?
Repair
What is the function of DNA polymerase II?
Specialized repair
What is the function and structure of DNA polymerase III?
Main DNA replication enzyme which clamps on DNA.
Has 10 subunits
What are the 3 stages of replication?
Initiation
Elongation
Termination
Where does DNA replication begin?
At the ORI or Origin of Replication
What’s the function of DnaA?
Recognizes ORI; opens duplex at specific sites
What is the function of DnaB (helicase)?
Unwinds DNA
What is the function of DnaC?
Required for DnaB binding at origin
What is the function of HU?
Histone like protein
What is the function of DnaG (primase)?
Synthesize RNA primers
What is the function of SSB?
Binds single stranded DNA