DNA Replication

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to DNA replication.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.

Replication Fork

Structure formed during DNA replication where the double helix is unwound, allowing two strands to be copied.

Okazaki Fragments

Short fragments of DNA formed on the lagging strand during DNA replication, which are later joined by DNA ligase.

DNA Polymerase

Enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a pre-existing primer strand.

Semiconservative Replication

Model of DNA replication in which each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Meselson-Stahl Experiment

An experiment that provided evidence for semiconservative DNA replication by observing DNA density after replication.

Proofreading

Mechanism by which DNA polymerases correct errors during DNA synthesis, increasing fidelity of DNA replication.

Methylation

Modification of DNA that can distinguish parental strands from newly synthesized strands, aiding in mismatch repair.

Mismatch Repair

System that repairs incorrect base pairings that occur during DNA replication.

Topoisomerase

Enzyme that relieves the torsional strain in DNA during replication by cutting and rejoining the DNA strands.