DNA Replication & Repair Flashcards
What is the major difference between DNA replication on the leading and lagging strand?
Leading strand is continuous
Lagging strand is discontinuous
Define semi-conservative in the context of DNA synthesis
each strand of double stranded DNA serves as template for synthesis of new strand -> when 2 new molecules of DNA are formed each has 1 NEW & 1 OLD STRAND
Define bidirectional in the context of DNA synthesis
Replication is seen at both sides of replication fork (always 5’ to 3’ but goes in opposite directions- relatively- on leading and lagging strands)
Describe Okazaki fragments
fragments of discontinuous lagging strand synthesized in 5’ to 3’ direction, OPPOSITE OF FORK MOVEMENT
- few hundred to few thousand bp long
- synthesis stops when it gets to RNA primer
Describe the origin in the context of DNA synthesis
unique point where replication loops always begin, in circular DNA the 2 replication forks ultimately meet opposite origin
Describe the replication fork
Point where parent DNA is being unwound and separated strands are quickly replicated
What is the function of the origin binding protein?
Recognize the replication origin
What is the function of a helicase?
Melt/ unwind DNA
What is the function of single stranded binding proteins (SSB)?
Protect/ stabilize unwound DNA strands (single stranded DNA)
What is the function of primase?
responsible for synthesis of RNA primer, primosome constituent
What is the function of DNA polymerase I?
Fills gaps
excises primers
removes RNA primer
Requires template & RNA primer
What is the function of DNA polymerase III?
Elongate DNA from RNA primer
What is the function of DNA ligase?
Ligates or connects DNA fragments
i. e. Okazaki fragments
- ATP as cofactor in Eukaryotes
- NAD+ as cofactor in prokaryotes
What is the function of the sliding clamp?
Pol I is inefficient in synthesis because it goes on and off
Pol II associates with sliding protein that clamps on to DNA strand and prevents disassociation
Increases efficiency of synthesis
Increases processivity of DNA polymerase
PCNA is sliding clamp in Eukaryotic DNA
Pol gamma-beta subunit is sliding clamp of prokaryotic DNA Pol III
What is the function of Topisomerase/ gyrase?
Relieve torsional strain in front of replication fork - breaking and rejoining double stranded DNA
Prevents over-winding