Lecture 22. DNA II Flashcards
What does replication via templating explain ?
Spontaneous variation - a key premise for Darwinian evolution
What are the three models (hypothesis) of DNA replication ?
- Semi-conservative replication
- Conservative replication
- Dispersive replication
What is semi conservative replication ?
Each strand acts as a template on which the other strand is synthesised
What is conservative replication ?
One helix contains the parent DNA strand while the other helix contains entirely new DNA (initiates synthesis of a new molecule while remaining intact)
What is dispersive replication ?
DNAs have alternating segments of both parental and newly-synthesized DNA interspersed on both strands
What is the Meselson-Stahl experiment ?
A centrifuge was used to separate DNA molecules labeled with isotopes of different densities
How does DNA replicate ?
Via template directed base pairing of nucleotides and step wise creation of phosphodiester bonds ?
How is DNA actually replicated (which hypothesis) ?
Semi conservative
What was the concept of replication forks first revealed by ?
Electron microscopy
What is an autoradiograph ?
An image on an x-ray film or nuclear emulsion produced by the pattern of decay emissions from a distribution of a radioactive substance
What is the requirement of DNA replication ?
- DNA polymerase
2. Nucleotide triphosphate
What are the three functions of enzymes in DNA replication ?
- Enzymes must allow DNA double helix to unwind
- Enzymes allow template driven copying
- Enzymes mediate error correction
What is the main replicative enzyme ?
DNA polymerase III
What are required for DNA polymerisation initiation ?
RNA primers
What is the function of helicase; a key enzyme in DNA replication ?
Unwinding/opening up DNA
What is the function of topoisomerases; a key enzyme in DNA replication ?
Dealing with over winding (positive supercoiling)
What is the function of polymerase and primase; a key enzyme in DNA replication ?
DNA replication
What is the function of polymerases; a key enzyme in DNA replication ?
Extend primers
Who discovered DNA polymerase I ?
Arthur Kornberg
What is the structure of DNA polymerase I ?
A single subunit protein
What did Kornberg devise to detect a DNA synthesis ?
An in vitro assay
What was in Kornberg’s assay mixture ?
- Total protein and cell extract from E. coli cells
- Template DNA
- Substrates required for DNA synthesis
What happened to Kornberg’s nucleotide triphosphates ?
They were radioactively labelled
Can DNA polymerase start a new DNA strand on its own ?
No
What is the first rule and conclusion concerning DNA polymerase
Rule: DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to a pre-existing strand (primer) that is already base-paired with a template strand
Conclusion: DNA occurs via primer extension
What is a primer strand ?
A pre-existing strand
What can DNA polymerase only add nucleotides to ?
A primer strand which is already base-paired with a template strand
What is the second rule and conclusion concerning DNA polymerase ?
Rule: DNA can only add nucleotides to the 3’ end of a replicating strand
Conclusion: DNA synthesis is said to occur exclusively in a 5’ to 3’ direction
What direction does DNA synthesis occur ?
In a 5’ to 3’ direction