Human Molecular Genetics - DNA Replication

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the Human Molecular Genetics lecture on DNA replication.

Semi-Conservative Replication

DNA replication method where each new DNA molecule contains one old strand and one new strand.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Okazaki Fragments

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

Telomeres

Protective structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, composed of repetitive DNA sequences.

Meselson-Stahl Experiment

Key experiment that proved the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication.

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes short RNA primers to initiate DNA replication.

E. coli

A model organism used to study DNA replication and other molecular processes.

Topoisomerase

An enzyme that alleviates supercoiling ahead of the replication fork by cutting and resealing DNA strands.

Replication Fork

The Y-shaped structure that forms when DNA is unwound during replication.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand by sealing nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone.