DNA Replication and Chromosomes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to DNA replication and chromosome structure as discussed in the lecture notes.

Leading Strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction during replication.

Lagging Strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized discontinuously, in short segments called Okazaki fragments, moving away from the replication fork.

Semi-conservative replication

The process of DNA replication where each new double helix consists of one old strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Helicase

The enzyme responsible for unwinding and separating the two strands of DNA during replication.

Okazaki Fragments

Short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

DNA Polymerase

The enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a pre-existing 3’ end.

DNA Replication Fork

The Y-shaped region where the DNA double helix is separated into two single strands for replication.

Primase

The enzyme that synthesizes short RNA primers needed for DNA polymerase to initiate synthesis.

Origin of Replication

Specific sequences in DNA where replication begins.

Single-strand binding proteins (SSBPs)

Proteins that bind to and stabilize single-stranded DNA during replication.