Genomic Expression and Maintenance

Question 1

Describe the replicon model

Answer 1

In this model, an initiator protein binds to a section of DNA called the replicator.

Question 2

What are topoisomerases?

Answer 2

Enzymes that help to unwind DNA, particularly where DNA becomes over wound, ahead of the replication fork.

Question 3

What are replication profiles used for?

Answer 3

Replication profiles show volume of DNA over time, as a result they can be used to the changes in DNA during a cell’s cycle

Question 4

What does an ARS assay show?

Answer 4

Used to identify replicator sequences.
Restriction enzymes are used to splice the region of interest into a vector. The plasmid is used to transform a host cell. If the host cell is able to survive in culture then the insert does contain a replicator region. The replicator can be sequenced as an ACS

Question 5

How does replication usually start?

Answer 5

Initiator protein binds, this triggers the loading of a helicase, to begin unwinding of the DNA. Following this a protein complex can begin to form to begin DNA replication.