DNA Replication Vocab

Vocabulary flashcards covering key enzymes, structures, and concepts involved in DNA replication.

Helicase

Enzyme that breaks hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs and unwinds the DNA

Single-stranded Binding Proteins

Proteins that attach to each strand to prevent them from re-joining

Primase

Enzyme that creates short RNA primers on both strands

RNA Primer

Short RNA molecule that acts as a primer and starting point for DNA polymerase

DNA polymerase

Enzyme that synthesizes new DNA by adding complementary nucleotides

Leading Strand

On this strand DNA synthesis is continuous/moves in same direction as replication fork

Lagging Strand

On this strand DNA synthesis is discontinuous/moves in the opposite direction as the replication fork-occurs in fragments

Okazaki Fragments

Short segments of DNA synthesized on lagging strand-each requires a new RNA primer

Ligase

Enzyme that glues together Okazaki fragments and repairs damaged DNA

Origins of replication

Where DNA replication begins. There are numerous origins of replication for each strand of DNA