TOPIC 2 - Central Dogma : DNA Relplication, Transcription, Translation Flashcards
What is the Central Dogma of Molecular Cell Biology?
Concept that Genetic Information FLOWS from DNA to RNA to Proteins.
DNA Replication
Process of producing 2 identical replicas from 1 original DNA molecule. This biological process occurs in all living organisms and is the basis for biological inheritance. DNA is made up of 2 strands and each strand of the original DNA molecule serves as a template for the production of the Complementary strand, a process referred to as semiconservative replication. Cellular proofreading and error-checking mechanisms ensure near perfect fidelity for DNA replication.
RNA Transcription
Synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template
mRNA Processing
Protein Processing ?
Protein Translation
Synthesis of Polypeptide chain from mRNA Template.
DNA Polymerase
Catalyzes DNA Synthesis.
What is the REACTION Catalyzed by DNA Polymerase?
ALL (known) of this type of Enzyme ADD a Deoxyribonucleoside 5’-Triphosphate to the 3’-Hydroxyl group of a growing DNA chain (the Primer strand; see Fig 6.1).
ALL known DNA Polymerases share 2 Fundamental Properties w/ Critical Implications for DNA Replication. What are these Properties?
(1st) . ALL Polymerases Synthesize DNA only in the 5’ to 3’ direction, ADDING a dNTP to the 3’-Hydroxyl group of the Growing chain.
(2nd) . DNA Polymerases can ADD a New Deoxyribonucleotide ONLY to a Pre-formed Primer Strand that is H-bonded to the Template.
Can DNA Polymerase initiate DNA synthesis de novo by catalyzing the Polymerization of Free dNTPs.
NOPE!
DNA Polymerase CANNOT initiate DNA Synthesis by Catalyzing the Polymerization of Free dNTPs.
∵ ???
Replication Fork
Region of DNA synthesis where Parental Strands separate & 2 new Daughter Strands Elongate.
Okazaki Fragments
Short DNA segment synthesized to Form the Lagging Strand of DNA.
DNA Ligase
Enzyme that SEALS Breaks in DNA strands.
Leading Strand
Strand of DNA synthesized CONTINUOUSLY in the direction of movement towards Replication Fork.
Lagging Strand
Strand of DNA synthesized OPPOSITE to the direction of the movement of Replication Fork by LIGATION of Okazaki Fragments.
Primase
RNA Polymerase used to Initiate DNA Synthesis