Key Area 2

Question 1

What is DNA polymerase

Answer 1

DNA polymerase is the enzyme that replicates DNA and adds nucleotides to the 3’ end of new strand

Question 2

What is a primer

Answer 2

A primer is a short strand of nucleotides which binds to the 3’ end of the template (parent/original) DNA strand. This allows DNA polymerase to add new nucleotides.

Question 3

Explain why primers are necessary for DNA replication

Answer 3

So DNA polymerase can add nucleotides to 3’ end of the new strand

Question 4

Explain why cells carry out DNA replication

Answer 4

To maintain number of chromosomes in new daughter cells

Question 5

Which molecules are required in the replication of the lagging of the DNA molecule

Answer 5

DNA polymerase
Ligase
Primers

Question 6

What is PCR

Answer 6

the amplification of target sequence of DNA

Question 7

Practical application of PCR

Answer 7

forensics
Paternity disputes
Diagnosis

Question 8

In the lagging strand how are fragments joined together

Answer 8

Using ligase