DNA Replication and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

DNA Polymerase

Enzyme that replicates DNA during cell division.

Primers

Short nucleotide strands initiating DNA replication.

Template DNA Strand

Original DNA strand used for replication.

Leading Strand

Continuously replicated DNA strand during replication.

Lagging Strand

Discontinuously replicated DNA strand in fragments.

DNA Ligase

Enzyme joining fragments on the lagging strand.

Complementary Base Pairing

Specific pairing of DNA bases (A-T, C-G).

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Technique to amplify specific DNA sequences.

Heating in PCR

Separates DNA strands at 92-98°C.

Cooling in PCR

Allows primers to bind at 50-65°C.

Heat-Tolerant DNA Polymerase

Enzyme replicating DNA at 70-80°C in PCR.

PCR Cycles

Repeated heating and cooling to amplify DNA.

DNA Amplification

Doubling of DNA amount with each PCR cycle.

DNA Template

Original DNA needed for PCR amplification.

DNA Nucleotides

Four types (A, T, C, G) required for replication.

pH Buffer

Maintains optimum conditions for enzyme activity.

Forensic Evidence

PCR application for solving crimes.

Paternity Suits

PCR application for determining biological relationships.

Genetic Disorders Diagnosis

PCR application for identifying genetic conditions.

Hydrogen Bonds

Connections between DNA bases that are broken during unwinding.

Fragments

Short sections of DNA on the lagging strand.