DNA Replication

These flashcards cover key concepts, terminology, and processes involved in DNA replication as outlined in the lecture notes.

DNA

A molecule made up of two strands twisted around each other in a double helix shape, consisting of sequences of four chemical bases: A, C, G, and T.

Complementary Strands

The relationship between the two strands of DNA where a T in one strand pairs with an A in the opposite strand, and a C pairs with a G.

5' and 3' Ends

The two ends of a DNA strand; DNA strands run in opposite directions, determining how they are replicated.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds and separates the two strands of DNA during replication.

Replication Fork

The Y-shaped region where the DNA is split into two separate strands during replication.

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes a small piece of RNA called a primer, marking the starting point for the new strand of DNA.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that adds DNA bases to a new strand of DNA, can only add bases in the 5' to 3' direction.

Leading Strand

The new strand of DNA that is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction.

Lagging Strand

The new strand of DNA that is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments because it runs in the opposite direction.

Okazaki Fragments

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

Exonuclease

An enzyme that removes RNA primers from both strands of DNA after replication.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that seals the fragments of DNA together to form a continuous double strand.

Semi-Conservative Replication

A process of DNA replication in which each resulting DNA molecule consists of one old (conserved) strand and one new strand.