In Depth DNA Replication Flashcards
What is meant by unzip ?
Hydrogen bonds between complimentary bases breaking
When the double helix of DNA unwinds and unzips what does it produce?
2 template strands
What is a primer ?
Short strand of nucleic acid / DNA
What does the primer do?
Binds to the complimentary target sequence at the start of the sequence of bases to be replicated
What end does the primer bind to ?
5’
What does the primer allow the DNA polymerase to do?
To synthesise a new strand of DNA
How does the DNA polymerase synthesise a new strand of DNA?
By adding bases complimentary to the template strand
What can DNA polymerase only add free nucleotides onto?
The 3’ end of the growing strand
Why can the DNA polymerase only add nucleotides onto the 3’ end of the growing strand ?
Due to the configuration of nucleotides
What direction does the DNA polymerase work in?
A 5’ to 3’ direction
What is the consequence of the DNA polymerase adding nucleotides to the 3’ end and moving in a 5’ to 3’ direction ?
One strand is replicated continuously and is known as the leading strand
What is the other strand synthesised in?
Fragments in the opposite direction known as the lagging strand
How are the fragments joined together by?
Enzyme called ligase
What must happen for DNA replication to take place?
The double helix of DNA must unwind and unzip
