DNA Replication Study Guide

A collection of vocabulary flashcards pertaining to the key concepts of DNA replication, including structure, mechanisms, and mutations.

Semi-conservative replication

Each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one new strand.

Double helix

The structure of DNA, resembling a twisted ladder.

Helicase

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

Replication fork

The point at which DNA strands separate during replication.

DNA polymerase

An enzyme that adds free nucleotides and proofreads new DNA strands.

Base-pairing rules

Rules that specify which bases pair together: A–T and C–G.

Mutation

A change in DNA that may be caused by radiation, chemicals, or UV light.

Chromatin

Loose form of DNA that wraps around histone proteins, coiling into chromosomes during cell division.

Proofreading

The process by which DNA polymerase checks and corrects incorrect base pairs.

Error rate in DNA replication

About 1 error per billion nucleotides occurs during DNA replication.