DNA Replication Flashcards
What direction is DNA replicated in?
5’ to 3’ end
5’ = phosphate group
3’ = OH group
Why is DNA synthesis an irreversible reaction?
It is coupled to a breakdown of PPi by 2Pi
Where is pyrophosphatase found?
It is ubiquitous to all cells
DNA synthesis is exothermic or endothermic?
Exothermic - -7kcal/mole
dNTP + (dNMP)n =
(dNMP)n+1 +2Pi
The energy required for DNA synthesis comes from what?
The breakage of 2 high energy phosphate bonds
Where is DNA synthesis initiated?
At the replication fork
Which enzyme separated paired DNA strands?
DNA Helicase
The leading strand runs in which direction?
The 5’ end to the 3’ end
What does the lagging strand form?
Okazaki fragments
Which enzyme synthesises the primer for DNA Synthesis?
DNA primase - synthesises a short RNA
How long are primers usually?
About 10 nucleotides long
How does DNA polymerase differe from DNA primase?
Unlike DNA polymerase, DNA primase can start a new polynucleotide chain by joining two nucleotide triphosphates together
What four enzymes are required for lagging strand synthesis?
DNA Primase
DNA Polymerase
Ribonuclease H
DNA Ligase
What is the role of ribonuclease H?
Removes the RNA Primer