DNA Replication and Gene Expression

Flashcards on key concepts related to DNA replication and gene expression processes.

DNA Replication

The process of making an identical copy of DNA before cell division.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds DNA at the replication origin.

Leading Strand

The strand of DNA that is built continuously during replication.

Lagging Strand

The strand of DNA that is built in Okazaki fragments during replication.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that seals gaps between DNA fragments.

Semi-Conservative Replication

The result of DNA replication, where each molecule consists of one old and one new strand.

mRNA Processing

Steps in eukaryotic cells that modify pre-mRNA, including adding a 5' cap, a poly-A tail, and splicing out introns.

Transcription

The process of converting DNA into mRNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing a protein from mRNA.

Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Telomerase

An enzyme that maintains chromosome ends, preventing genetic loss.

Gene Expression

The process where genetic information in DNA becomes a functional protein.

Mutation

An error in DNA replication that can lead to genetic diversity or disease.