DNA Structure and Replication

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the structure and replication of DNA, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Origin of Replication (Ori)

Specific sequences on the chromosome where DNA replication begins.

Eukaryotic Chromosome Replication

Requires multiple origins of replication per chromosome due to the complexity and size of eukaryotic genomes.

Telomeres

The ends of linear chromosomes that solve the problem of incomplete replication.

Telomerase

An RNA-directed DNA polymerase that synthesizes telomeres and helps maintain chromosome length.

Hayflick Limit

The maximum number of times a normal somatic human cell can divide before cell division stops.

HeLa Cells

A continuously cultured cell line derived from human cervical cancer cells that can proliferate indefinitely.

Replicons

Regions of DNA that are replicated from a single origin of replication.

Replication Bubbles

Structures formed during DNA replication as replication forks proceed bi-directionally.

Complementary Strands

Strands of DNA that are synthesized based on the template strand during replication.

RNA Primer

A short strand of RNA that provides a starting point for DNA synthesis.