DNA and the Gene: Synthesis and Repair

Flashcards covering key concepts of DNA replication and repair.

Semiconservative replication

A type of DNA replication where each daughter molecule contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

DNA polymerase

The enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of new DNA strands by adding deoxyribonucleotides to the 3' end of a growing DNA strand.

Leading strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized continuously toward the replication fork.

Lagging strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized discontinuously away from the replication fork, resulting in Okazaki fragments.

Okazaki fragments

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

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes short RNA primers that provide a starting point for DNA polymerase.

Telomerase

An enzyme that extends telomeres in germ cells to prevent chromosome shortening during replication.

Mismatch repair

A cellular process that corrects mismatched bases in DNA after synthesis.

Nucleotide excision repair

A DNA repair mechanism that removes and replaces damaged DNA segments caused by UV light or other factors.

Replication fork

Y-shaped regions where the DNA strands are split apart for replication.

Telomeres

Repeating sequences of DNA at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from degradation.