Bio vocab D1.1 DNA Replication

Semi conservative replications

each strand of an existing DNA double helix acts as the template for the synthesis of a new strand from free nucleotide.

Helicase

an enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix at replication forks.

DNA polymerase 

the primary enzyme involved in DNA replication.

Gel electrophoresis

a process used to separate fragments of DNA or proteins, on a polymer gel, according to size and overall change.

PCR ( polymerase chain reaction)

technique for amplifying selected regions of DNA

Conservative replication

hypothetical model of DNA replication where the original parental DNA double helix remains intact, and two new, separate DNA molecules are synthesized

Taq polymerase 

heat-stable DNA polymerase enzyme used in PCR,

Extremophile

DNA primer

short sequence of single-stranded DNA, used in PCR,

DNA Sequencing

the sequence of bases in particular lengths of DNA

Genetic profiling

the identification of individual organisms or species using DNA.

Gene probes

these consist of single-stranded DNA with a base sequence that is complementary to that of a particular fragment or gene whose position or presence is sought.

VNTR’s

short base sequences that show variation between individuals in terms of number of repeats. These major lengths of non-coding DNA are used in genetic profiling

STR’s