Week 2: Dna Replication And Recombination Flashcards
What is DNA replication?
Copying of DNA occurring during mitosis and meiosis
What is DNA recombination?
Exchange of genetic material that helps drive evolution via meiosis and can occur as part of DNA repair
Define replication.
The action or process of reproducing or duplicating
Define recombination.
The process of recombining things
What is the significance of DNA replication in cells?
All cells maintain their DNA (hereditary) material from one generation to the next
What does ‘semi-conservative’ replication mean?
Each daughter strand contains one strand from the original (parental) strand and one new strand of DNA
What are the base pair matching rules in DNA replication?
A pairs with T and G pairs with C
List the seven key components of DNA replication.
- dNTPs
- DNA helicase
- Single-stranded DNA binding proteins
- DNA topoisomerase
- DNA polymerase
- DNA primase
- DNA ligase
What is the role of DNA helicase?
Unwinds and separates DNA to allow access for DNA polymerase
What do single-stranded DNA binding proteins do?
Prevent the DNA from sticking to itself and blocking copying
What is the function of DNA polymerase?
Carries out DNA synthesis by adding nucleotides in the 5’ to 3’ direction
How does DNA polymerase proofread its work?
It checks for correct base addition and corrects errors if found
What is the ‘winding problem’ in DNA replication?
Local winding of DNA due to the rapid action of DNA polymerase and helicase
What is the role of DNA topoisomerase?
Helps relieve supercoiling and DNA stress during replication
What is the purpose of RNA primers in DNA replication?
Provide a 3’ OH group for DNA polymerase to initiate DNA synthesis
