DNA Replication and Techniques

These flashcards cover key concepts related to DNA replication and associated techniques, including enzymes involved, processes, and applications.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

The genetic information molecule for the development and growth of cells and multicellular organisms.

DNA Replication

The process of producing identical copies of DNA.

Semi-conservative replication

A method of DNA replication where each new molecule consists of one parent strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between complementary nucleotides.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that links nucleotides to form the growing DNA chain using pre-existing strands as templates.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A method for amplifying a DNA sequence from a small sample using cycles of heating and cooling.

Denaturation

The first step in PCR where DNA is heated to break hydrogen bonds and separate strands.

Annealing

The step in PCR where the temperature is lowered to allow primers to bind to the separated DNA strands.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate charged molecules like DNA or proteins.

DNA Profile

A pattern created from an individual's DNA fragments, used for identification purposes.

Okazaki Fragments

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

DNA Proofreading

The process by which DNA polymerase checks and corrects errors during DNA replication.