DNA Replication and Telomeres

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to DNA replication, the roles of various proteins involved, and the significance of telomeres in maintaining genome stability.

What is the function of the clamp loader in DNA replication?

The clamp loader binds to the clamp and opens it to allow the DNA polymerase to attach to DNA.

What two types of DNA strands are involved in DNA replication?

Leading strand and lagging strand.

What are Okazaki fragments?

Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

What happens to telomeres during DNA replication?

Telomeres shorten with each cell division due to the inability of DNA polymerase to complete replication at the ends.

What enzyme removes RNA primers during DNA replication?

RNase H is the enzyme that removes RNA primers.

How does the topoisomerase function in DNA replication?

Topoisomerase alleviates torsional strain in DNA by cutting and re-ligating the DNA strands.

What is the role of telomerase?

Telomerase extends the telomeres by adding repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes.

What occurs to cells when they experience telomere shortening?

Cells enter senescence or apoptosis when telomeres become critically short.

What is the significance of the DNA polymerase proofreading activity?

DNA polymerase can correct errors by removing incorrectly paired nucleotides and replacing them with the correct ones.

What is reverse transcriptase and its role in telomeres?

Reverse transcriptase synthesizes DNA from an RNA template, used by telomerase to extend telomeres.