DNA Replication Flashcards
What is nuclear division?
The process by which the nucleus divides. There are two types, mitosis and meiosis.
What is cytokinesis?
It follows nuclear division and is the process by which the whole cell divides.
Why must DNA be replicated before it divides?
To ensure that all the daughter cells have the genetic information to produce the enzymes and other proteins that they need.
What are the four requirements for semi-conservative replication to take place?
- Four types of nucleotides must be present.
- Both DNA strands act as a template for nucleotides.
- The enzyme DNA Polymerase.
- A source of chemical energy to drive the process.
What is the role of DNA Helicase in the first step of semi-conservative replication?
The enzyme DNA Helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds that link the base pairs of DNA. This causes the double helix to separate and unwind into its two separate strands.
What does each exposed polynucleotide chain act as a template for?
Acts as a template to which complimentary free nucleotides bind by specific base pairing.
What is the role of DNA Polymerase as complimentary bases start to bind?
Nucleotides are joined together in a condensation reaction by the enzyme DNA Polymerase to form the missing polynucleotide strands on each of the template polynucleotide strands.
