Replication and Recombination Flashcards
What are the 3 modes of DNA replication? Define it pleaaassee :)
- Semiconservative: Each replicated DNA molecule consists of one “old” and one “new” strand
- Conservative: Two newly synthesized strands come together—original helix is conserved
- Dispersive: Parental strands are dispersed into two new double helices
Explain the Messelson-Stahl Experiment
- 15N-labeled E. coli grown in medium containing 14N
- Each new DNA molecule consists of one old and one newly synthesized strand
- Provided strong evidence that DNA is semiconservative in
prokaryotes - radiolabeling goes from 100% radiolabelled –> 50% radiolabelled –> 25% radiolabelled, etc…..
Understand the band patterns of Meselson-Stahl Experiment
N14 =LIGHT AND UP
N15 = HEAVY AND DOWN
Mix of N14 and N15 = In between
Every generation resulted in what for Messelson-Stahl?
Eventually will deplete the radiolabelled, but it is always halved. First generation is 50%, then 25%, then 12.5%, ETC…
Where does DNA replication begin?
At the ORI (origin of replication)
How many origin and termination points are there in Circular chromosomes
- 1 origin point
- Multiple termination points in a circular chromosome of Prokaryotes
Replication is _____; therefore there are # replication forks
- Replication is BIDIRECTIONAL
- 2 replication forks
Define Replicon
Length of DNA replicated
At site of replication, helix is unwound, creating what?
Replication Fork
DNA synthesis in bacteria involves 5 polymerases. Which one is the most important in E. coli for instance?
- DNA pol 1-5
- DNA pol 3 is the MOST SIGNIFICANT since it synthesizes both leading and lagging strand
Can DNA polymerases generate a strand de novo (from scratch)?
NO! They only work if there is a 3’ hydroxyl sugar to which they can add nucleotides
Can RNA polymerase generate a strand de novo?
YES!!! It just looks at what is given, and provides the complementary
Can polymerases work without Magnesium ion?
NOOOO!!!! Magnesium is an important cofactor for all polymerases
How does DNA polymerase do chain elongation?
- Occurs in 5’ to 3’ direction by adding one nucleotide at a time to 3’ end
- Nucleotide added, two terminal phosphates cleaved off, providing newly exposed 3’-OH
- 3’-OH can participate in addition of another nucleotide as DNA synthesis proceeds
T/F: all synthetic enzymes will have 3’-5’ exonuclease activity
TRUEEEEEEE!!!!!
duh. ‘0’
Which DNA polymerase has exonuclease activity 5’ - 3’?
Only DNA polymerase 1
“Repair polymerase removing RNA primer and fill gap by the respective DNA base in DNA replication”
DNA Pol 2, 4, and 5 are involved in what?
- Involved in various aspects of DNA damage repair
- Repair DNA damaged by external
forces such as UV light
Describe DNA polymerase 3 Holoenzyme
- Note: clamp feature is the Beta clamp
- Subunits each have separate functions
- α 5’-3’ polymerization
- ε– 3’–5’ exonuclease
- θ– Core assembly
What are the 7 key issues that MUST be resolved during DNA replication?
- Unwinding of helix
- Reduce increased coiling generated during unwindng
- Synthesis of primer for initiation
- Discontinuous synthesis of second strand
- Removal of the RNA primers
- Joining of gap-filling DNA to adjacent strand
- Proofreading
Explain DnaA
- Initiator protein encoded by dnaA gene
- Binds to ORI causing conformation change
- Causes helix to destabilize and open up
- Exposes ssDN
Explain DNA Helicase
- Made of DnaB polypeptides
- Hexamer of subunits: Assembles around exposed ssDNA
- Subsequently recruits holoenzyme to bind replication fork and initiate replication
- Helicases require energy supplied by hydrolysis of ATP— denatures hydrogen bonds and stabilizes double helix
Explain Single-stranded binding proteins (SSBPs)
- Stabilize the open conformation of helix
- Bind specifically to single strands of D
Explain DNA gyrase
- Enzyme relieves coiled tension from unwinding of helix (DNA supercoiling)
- Member of larger enzyme group: DNA topoisomerases
- Makes single- or double-stranded cuts
- Driven by energy released during ATP hydrolysis
Explain Primase: RNA polymerase
- Recruited to replication form by helicase
- Synthesizes RNA primer
- Provides free 3-OH required by DNA polymerase III for elongation