DNA Replication

Question 1

How can you get 2 metres of DNA into a 6 micrometre cell nucleus?

Answer 1

Look up

Question 2

Appreciate the importance of chromatin structure

Answer 2

DNA + histone = chromatin
The DNA double helix in the cell nucleus is packaged by special proteins called histones.
The formed protein/DNA complex is called chromatin.
The basic structural unit of chromatin is the nucleosome.

DNA wraps around a histone protein forming nucleosomes.
The beads on a string structure (euchromatin)
Multiple histones wrap into a 30nm fibre consisting of nucleosome arrays in their most compact form (heterochromatin)

Question 3

Be able to apply your knowledge of DNA structure and nomenclature.

Answer 3

Know the major groove and minor groove.
Sugars asymmetrically connected
With the major groove the bases are sticking out
Use knowledge to understand one level up

Question 4

What does an exonuclease do?

Answer 4

Cut DNA from the end.

DNA polymerase has exonuclease domains meaning it can cut DNA at the ends as well as it’s main function of elongation.