Semi-conservative replication Flashcards
1
Q
Why is DNA replication semi-conservative?
A
Because one strand from the original DNA molecule is conserved as well as a new strand created.
2
Q
What is the first step of semi-conservative replication?
A
DNA helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pairs, separating the 2 polynucleotide strands creating a replication fork.
3
Q
What is the second step of semi-conservative replication?
A
The exposed bases on the template strand attract free nucleotides to form new complementary base pairs.
4
Q
What is the third step of semi-conservative replication?
A
DNA polymerase catalyses the condensation reactions to reform the sugar phosphate backbone moving in a 3’ to 5’ direction.
