Lec 30 Flashcards - Prokaryotic DNA Replication

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts in prokaryotic DNA replication.

DNA Replication

The process by which a cell copies its entire genome using an existing strand of DNA as a template.

Bidirectional Replication

A type of DNA replication that occurs through the formation of a replication bubble with a pair of replication forks.

Semiconservative Replication

Mechanism of DNA replication where each daughter cell receives one original and one newly synthesized strand.

Replication Forks

The two Y-shaped structures formed during the bidirectional separation of double-stranded DNA.

Okazaki Fragments

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

Leading Strand

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

Lagging Strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized discontinuously away from the replication fork.

DNA Polymerase

Enzymes that catalyze the addition of deoxynucleotides to the growing DNA strand.

DnaA Protein

The initiator protein that binds to OriC to initiate DNA replication.

DnaB Protein

The helicase that separates the two parental strands during DNA replication.

RNA Primer

A short strand of RNA synthesized by DNA primase that is necessary for DNA polymerase to initiate synthesis.

Replisome Complex

The complete set of enzymes and proteins required to replicate DNA.

Gyrase

A Type II topoisomerase that helps unwind DNA ahead of the replication fork.

Single-stranded Binding Proteins (ssBPs)

Proteins that bind to single-stranded DNA, preventing it from re-annealing during replication.

Processivity

The ability of DNA polymerase to continuously add nucleotides to a growing DNA strand without dissociating.

RNase H

An enzyme that removes RNA primers during DNA replication.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that joins the ends of DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds.

Catenation

The linking together of two circular DNA strands, which can be resolved by topoisomerases.

Termination Sites (Ter)

Specific DNA regions where termination of replication occurs, bound by TUS proteins.

Clamp Loader Proteins

Proteins involved in loading the sliding clamp onto DNA, facilitating processive DNA synthesis.

Trombone Model

A model explaining the coordinated synthesis of leading and lagging strands during DNA replication.

Exonuclease Activity

The ability of an enzyme to remove nucleotides from the ends of a DNA strand, important for proofreading.

Error Rate

The frequency of incorrect base pairing during DNA synthesis, with Pol III having an error rate of one in 10^6.

OriC

The origin of replication in E. coli where DNA replication initiates.

DNA Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the double-stranded DNA during replication.

Topoisomerase

An enzyme that modifies the degree of supercoiling in DNA.

DNA Methylation

The process of adding methyl groups to DNA, distinguishing original strands from newly synthesized strands.