DNA Replication, Storage & Mutations

These flashcards cover key concepts related to DNA replication, mutations, and storage as discussed in the lecture.

DNA Replication

The process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division.

Replication Fork

The area where the DNA splits to allow replication to occur.

Semiconservative Replication

A type of replication where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one new strand.

Leading Strand

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

Lagging Strand

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

Okazaki Fragments

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

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes a short RNA primer to initiate DNA replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.

Telomeres

Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that prevent the loss of essential genes during DNA replication.

Mutations

Permanent changes in the DNA sequence that can be caused by errors in replication or environmental factors.

Point Mutation

A mutation affecting a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence.

Germ-Line Mutation

A mutation that occurs in gametes and can be passed to the next generation.

Somatic Mutation

A mutation that occurs in body cells and is not passed on to offspring.

Nucleosome

A structural unit of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

DNA Storage

The arrangement of DNA in the cell, primarily in the form of chromatin.

Translocation

A mutation where a segment of DNA is cut and inserted into a different location.