Topic 5 (DNA Replication) Flashcards
Why is eukaryotic chromosome replication challenging?
Multiple origins of replication, which may cause breakage
What were the findings of the Meselson and Stahl experiment?
Semi-conservative replication
True/False? DNA can be synthesized de novo
False
True/False? RNA can be synthesized de novo
True
On which end are nucleotides added to in replication?
3’
What kind of exonuclease activity does eukaryotic DNA Pol have?
3’ to 5’
Which two phosphates in the form of pyrophosphate are cleaved once a nucleotide is added to the growing backbone?
Beta and gamma
Define processivity. Example?
An enzyme’s ability to catalyze “consecutive reactions without releasing its substrate”; the average number of nucleotides added each time when an enzyme binds a primer:template junction
A give a course-relevant processive enzyme
DNA Pol
How many active sites does DNA Pol have for the 4 nucleotides?
1 used for all of them
What are the 3 functions of DNA Pol?
- Sterically distinguish between dNTPs and rNTPs (RNA)
- Show kinetic selectivity for adding the correct base-paired dNTP (A-T, G-C)
- Initiate synthesis using either an RNA or DNA primer
Why can’t DNA Pol add bases onto the 3’ end of ddNTPs?
ddNTPs lack a 3’ OH, so it cannot attack the 5’ phosphate of the incoming base
Explain how DNA Pol sterically distinguishes between DNA and RNA bases
Discriminator amino acids in its active site interact with the 2’ H. If an rNTP is in the active site (2’ OH), this causes steric hindrance and cannot be added (slide 10 for diagram)
Explain how DNA Pol distinguishes between base pairs
If the incoming base does not hydrogen bond correctly with the template base (incorrect orientation), it will not fit properly into the active site and cannot be added to the growing strand (slide 11 for diagram)
What does the structure of DNA Pol resemble?
A hand
What is the function of the “fingers” in DNA Pol?
Binds and encloses the dNTP
What is the function of the “thumb” in DNA Pol?
Maintains the correct position of the primer in the active site and a strong association between DNA Pol and its substrate
What is the function of the “palm” in DNA Pol? What cation is used?
Catalytic site and monitors base pairing of the most recently added bases (3’ to 5’ exonuclease activity); Mg2+ used for catalysis
What is the function of DNA helicase?
Unwinds DNA at the replication fork to create ssDNA template for primase
What is the function of primase?
RNA polymerase that makes short RNA primers used to anneal to an ssDNA template to serve as a starting point during replication
True/False? Primase can start de novo
True
In which direction does DNA Pol place bases during replication?
5’-3’
In which direction does DNA Pol read the template strand during replication?
3’-5’
What is the function of RNAse H?
Removes RNA primers from RNA:DNA hybrid to complete DNA synthesis
Which 3 subunits of eukaryotic DNA Pol are essential for function?
Alpha, delta, and epsilon
What is the function of DNA Pol alpha?
Primer synthesis
What is the function of the delta subunit?
Lagging strand synthesis
What is the function of the epsilon subunit?
Leading strand synthesis
True/False? All three subunits of eukaryotic DNA Pol have about the same processivity
False. Alpha has a relatively low processivity
Why is the alpha subunit’s processivity lower than the others?
Allows for polymerase switching
Explain polymerase switching
Replacement of DNA Pol alpha with epsilon and delta at the leading and lagging strands, respectively
What is the function of the sliding clamp? Where is it situated relative to the polymerase?
Increases DNA Pol processivity by keeping DNA Pol in close proximity to the template; 5’ of the polymerase
Define the origin of replication
Sites at which DNA unwinds to initiate synthesis
Define the replicator
The DNA seq that directs the initiation of DNA replication. It includes binding sites for the initiator protein and AT-rich seq that unwind easily
What is the initiator protein?
DNA binding proteins that sequentially bind to DNA involved in the initiation of replication
What is the replicon?
The DNA replicated from a particular origin of replication
What is the origin recognition complex (ORC)?
6-protein complex that recognizes the replicators and is required to recruit other replication proteins such as helicase
True/False? ORC interactions require ATP hydrolysis
True