DNA Replication and Genetic Code

Question 1

What is the definition of semi-conservative replication?

Answer 1

When two new DNA molecules are formed, each consisting of one original polynucleotide strand and one new one.

The two new molecules are identical to eachother and to the original parent DNA molecule

Question 2

Desrcibe the process of semiconservative replication

Answer 2

1. DNA unwinds
2. DNA helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs which causes the polynucleotide strands to separate
3. Free nucleotides line up with the exposed bases on each strand, following complementary base pairing rules. DNA polymerase joins the free nucleotides together using phosphodiester bonds
4. Hydrogen bonds form between the original parent template strand and the new daughter strand
5. DNA winds up again into a double helix shape

Question 3

Describe what DNA helicase does in DNA replication

Answer 3

DNA helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs, causing the polynucleotide strands to separate

Question 4

Describe what DNA polymerase does in DNA replication

Answer 4

Free nucleotides line up with the exposed bases on each strand, following complementary base pairing rules. DNA polymerase joins the free nucleotides together using phosphodiester bonds

Question 5

Why is DNA replication important?

Answer 5

To conserve genetic information with accuracy

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a mutation?

Answer 6

Random and Spontaneous

Question 7

What is a mutation?

Answer 7

A random or spontaneous change in the sequence of bases