replication Flashcards
Process of duplication of DNA
replication
*requires RNA
Process of formation of RNA on a DNA template
transcription
*base sequence of DNA is reflected in the base sequence of RNA
[When RNA is formed from DNA during transcription, the order of bases (the genetic “letters”) in the DNA strand determines the order of bases in the new RNA molecule. It’s like the DNA is a template or a master copy, and the RNA is made to match it.]
Process of protein synthesis
translation
*aa sequence of the protein reflects the sequence of bases in the gene that codes for that protein
what is the flow of genetic information in nearly all organisms
DNA > RNA > protein
the genetic material is RNA and not DNA
retroviruses
*major exception
[retroviruses work backwards compared to the usual flow of genetic information (DNA to RNA to protein). They start with RNA, convert it to DNA, and then use the host cell’s machinery to replicate and spread. This unique feature makes retroviruses, such as HIV, particularly challenging to treat and study.]
it is the ability to turn their RNA into DNA once they infect a cell. This is the opposite of the usual process (where DNA is used to make RNA)
reverse transcription process
it is the key tool retroviruses use to perform this RNA-to-DNA conversion. It’s an enzyme that can read RNA and create a matching DNA strand.
reverse transcriptase enzyme
why does the retroviruses have to convert from RNA to DNA
to undergo self replication, hence the additional step
* for retroviruses only
what are the types of dna that it can exist in different forms in nature
Single-stranded or double-stranded
Linear (with two ends) or circular (forming a loop)
*because DNA comes in these different forms, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all explanation for how all DNA replicates. Each type might have some unique aspects to its replication process
it is common in a circular double-stranded DNA replicates
common in bacteria and some viruses
this is where most of the replication process were first investigated
in prokaryotes, particularly E. coli (a common gut bacterium)
why is it the single strands are vulnerable to damage when it is “unzipped” for replication
cell must protect these exposed strands
exposed to the cellular environment which makes it susceptible to various forms of damage or modification
exposed bases can more easily react with various molecules in the cell, potentially leading to chemical modifications
what unwound DNA needs protection from when it is “unzipped” for replication
nucleases
- these are enzymes that can break down single stranded DNA
free radicals
inappropriate base-pairings
how do you guard against errors in replication by ensuring that the correct base is added to the growing polynucleotide chain
DNA polymerase
- the main enzyme responsible for replication, has a built-in “proofreading” ability.
*
If an incorrect base is added, it’s usually detected immediately.
When an error is found, the incorrect base is removed and replaced with the correct one.
it is a DNA replication involves separation of the two original strands and production of two new
daughter strands using the original strands as templates
semiconservative replication
*each daughter strands contain
-1template strands (from DNA)
-1newly synthesizes strand
what bacteria is use where it was grown in an environment where the only nitrogen they could use came from a special form of nitrogen
E.coli
15N
- a heavier version of nitrogen
what method is used to track and study the bacteria’s nitrogen-containing molecules
density-gradient centrifugation
- this technique separates molecules based on their density. Since the 15N-labeled molecules are heavier than regular ones, they sink more in the centrifuge, making it easier to tell them apart from other molecules.
this the specific point where the DNA helix unwinds
origin of replication
true or false:
dna replication is bidirectional in most organisms
true
how many replication forks are there a each origin of replication
2
Points at which new polynucleotide chains are formed
replication forks
bidirectional growth of polynucleotide
means moving in two directions at the same time
In DNA replication, this means that the copying of DNA starts at one point and happens in both directions, going both left and right from that starting point. This helps the process go faster.
how many origins, replication fork and eye does prokaryotic and eukaryotic have
eukaryotic:
many origins
multiple replication fork
example - 3 origin, 6RF or 4 origin, 8 RF
eye depends on how many origin
prokaryotic:
1 origins
2 replication fork
1 eye
what direction does dna polymerase move towards
from 5’ to 3’
3’ has OH group which acts as the Nu = helps like the nucleotide tgt
when Nu is added
removed - pyrophosphate
formed - phosphodiester bond