D1.1 DNA Replication (SL)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to DNA replication and associated technologies.

DNA Replication

The process of producing exact copies of DNA with identical base sequences, essential for cell reproduction.

Semi-conservative replication

A method of DNA replication in which each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds and separates the double strands of DNA by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that covalently joins nucleotides together to synthesize a new strand of DNA.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

An artificial method for amplifying DNA, making large quantities of a specified DNA sequence through temperature variations.

Elongation (in PCR)

The step in PCR where Taq polymerase synthesizes new strands of DNA after annealing.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments according to size by applying an electric current through a gel matrix.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

Non-coding DNA sequences containing repeating elements that vary in number between individuals, used for DNA profiling.

Gene Cloning

The process of introducing a gene into a vector (plasmid) to enable its expression in another organism.

Sanger Method

A DNA sequencing technique that uses chain-terminating nucleotides to determine the base sequence of a DNA molecule.

Condensation Polymerisation

The process by which DNA strands form new covalent bonds during replication, releasing water as a by-product.

Transgenic Organism

An organism that has been genetically modified to express a gene from another species.