Unit 3 - Molecular Genetics Flashcards
Chargaff’s Rule
Nucleotides are present in characteristic proportions;
In DNA, the percent composition of adenine (A) is the same as thymine (T), and that the percent composition of cytosine (C) is the same as guanine (G) (proportion of A=T and C=G)
Antiparallel Meaning
the two strands of nucleotides in DNA are opposite directions, one is oriented 5’ to 3’ and one is oriented 3’ to 5’
What phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur in?
Synthesis phase of Interphase
Explain the correct model of DNA replication (conservative, semi-conservative, or dispersive)
Semi-conservative: every new helix contains one old and one new strand, so it conserves half the strand of the original molecule
What are the three phases of DNA replication?
- Initiation: unwinding
- Elongation: complementary base pairing
- Termination: two new DNA molecules formed
Origin of Replication (definition)
Where replication begins
Helicase (function)
group of enzymes that unwind/unzip the double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases
Single-stranded Binding Proteins (function)
stabilizes DNA during replication
Topoisomerase II (function)
enzyme that helps to relieve the strain/tension on the double helix sections ahead of replication forks/unwinding
Replication Forks (definition)
“Y-shaped” regions of replication bubble, direction of unwinding
DNA Polymerase III (function)
adds nucleotides to 3’ end of pre-existing chain of nucleotides, only builds in 3’ to 5’ direction
RNA Primase (function)
builds temporary RNA primers for DNA polymerase III to attach to begin elongation
Leading Strand (definition)
Continuously built strand, 3’ to 5’ template, built towards replication fork
Lagging Strand (definition)
Discontinuously built strand, in short fragments in opposite direction of leading strand, constantly needs more RNA primer as replication fork grows
Okazaki Fragments (definition)
Short fragments of DNA on lagging strand
DNA Polymerase I (function)
removes RNA primer, replacing it with correct DNA nucleotides. Also proofreads and fixes if needed
DNA Ligase (function)
joins Okazaki Fragments together
DNA Polymerase II
Proofreads DNA, if any mistakes it replaces it with the correct base
Telomeres (function, definition)
Repetitive sections of DNA near the end of each chromosome, to protect from loss of important genetic information during DNA replication. since the DNA at the ends of chromosomes cannot be copied fully.
Telomerase (function)
enzyme that extends the telomeres of chromosomes