DNA Replication and Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts related to DNA replication and structure as discussed in the lecture notes.

DNA polymerase

An enzyme responsible for synthesizing DNA molecules from nucleotides, adding nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction.

Leading strand

The DNA strand that is continuously replicated during DNA synthesis.

Lagging strand

The DNA strand that is replicated discontinuously in small segments called Okazaki fragments.

Okazaki fragment

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

Nucleosome

A structural unit of a eukaryotic chromosome, consisting of a length of DNA coiled around a core of histone proteins.

Telomerase

An enzyme that adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes, extending the DNA strand.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, such as those found in a single strand of DNA.

Hydrogen bond

A weak bond between two molecules resulting from an electrostatic attraction, important in holding together the two strands of DNA.

Primer

Short single-stranded nucleic acid sequences that provide a starting point for DNA synthesis.

DNA ligase

An enzyme that seals gaps between Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand during DNA replication.