Ch 20 DNA Replication Flashcards
(82 cards)
What is the mechanism of DNA replication?
Semi-conservative replication
Each daughter double helix contains one template strand and one newly synthesized strand.
What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?
Involved in replicating double-stranded DNA
DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands complementary to the template strands.
What was the nitrogen source used in the E. coli experiment?
15NH4Cl
This was used to label all newly formed nitrogen compounds with 15N.
What method was used to analyze DNA replication in the E. coli experiment?
Density-gradient centrifugation
This method helps separate DNA based on density.
What is a challenge in DNA replication regarding the synthesis of daughter strands?
Synthesis goes in opposite directions
The DNA template has one 5’->3’ strand and one 3’->5’ strand.
What is one challenge in unwinding DNA for replication?
How to unwind and separate the two parental DNA strands
This introduces more supercoils that interfere with the process.
What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?
Separates the two strands of DNA
Most helicases are hexameric proteins shaped like a donut that circles one DNA strand.
How does negative supercoiling affect DNA replication?
Makes the DNA underwound
This underwinding makes it easier for the individual strands to be separated.
What type of protein is a helicase generally classified as?
Hexameric protein
It encircles one DNA strand to facilitate unwinding.
What energy source do replicative helicases use to separate DNA strands?
ATP
ATP powers the helicase’s motion along the DNA strand.
What is the function of single-stranded DNA binding domains (SSBs)?
Defend single-stranded DNA
In eukaryotes, the SSB is known as replication protein A (RPA).
Fill in the blank: The chromosome in bacterial DNA replication is _______.
a circle
True or False: DNA helicases can pull apart the two strands in a DNA double helix.
True
They are enzymes specifically designed for this task.
What is the origin of replication?
The specific point where the DNA double helix begins unwinding
How many replication forks are there at each origin of replication?
Two
What is the replication direction at the origin of replication?
Bidirectional
How many origins of replication do prokaryotes have?
One
How many origins of replication do eukaryotes have?
Many
What are replication foci?
Sites of active DNA synthesis in eukaryotic chromosomes
What model describes the stationary protein machinery in DNA replication?
Factory model of replication
What is the nature of DNA synthesis according to the semidiscontinuous model?
DNA is synthesized in opposite directions
What is the leading strand?
Synthesized continuously from its 5′ end to its 3′ end
What is the lagging strand?
Synthesized semidiscontinuously in small fragments called Okazaki fragments
Where is the 5′ end of each Okazaki fragment located?
Closer to the replication fork than the 3′ end