DNA Replication and Repair Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to DNA replication, repair mechanisms, and associated processes.

DNA

The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

Replication Fork

The area where the DNA is being unwound during replication.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes a short RNA primer to initiate DNA replication.

Lagging Strand

The strand of DNA that is synthesized in short fragments in the opposite direction of the replication fork.

Leading Strand

The strand of DNA that is synthesized continuously in the same direction as the replication fork.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that seals gaps between Okazaki fragments in the lagging strand.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Template Strand

The original strand of DNA that is used as a guide to synthesize a new strand.

Okazaki Fragments

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

Telomeres

The ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Proofreading Ability

The ability of DNA polymerases to correct errors in DNA replication.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and protein that contains genetic information.

Genetic Instructions

Information encoded in the DNA that is necessary for the growth and functioning of living organisms.

Myosis

The process of cell division that results in two daughter cells.

Damaged DNA

DNA that has been altered or corrupted, which can lead to Detrimental effects on the organism.

Repair Mechanisms

Processes that fix damage in DNA to maintain its integrity.

Exonuclease Activity

The ability of DNA polymerases to remove nucleotides from the ends of DNA strands.

Base Pairing

The specific pairing between adenine and thymine, and cytosine and guanine in DNA.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction involving the breaking of a bond in a molecule using water.

Phosphodiester Bonds

Covalent bonds that link nucleotides together in a DNA strand.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through as it grows and divides.

Mutagens

Agents that cause changes in the DNA sequence.

Initiator Proteins

Proteins that recognize and bind to the origin of replication, starting the DNA replication process.

Replication Site

The locations in the cell where DNA replication occurs.

Single-Strand Binding Proteins

Proteins that stabilize single-stranded DNA during replication.

Origin of Replication

The specific location where DNA replication begins.

Synthesis Direction

The direction in which new DNA strands are synthesized, usually 5' to 3'.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds that hold the two strands of DNA together between complementary bases.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions for making a specific protein.

Amino Acid Sequence

The specific order of amino acids in a protein, dictated by the sequence of nucleotides in DNA.

Mitosis Checkpoints

Control mechanisms in the cell cycle that ensure proper cell division.

Polypeptide Chain

A chain of amino acids that makes up proteins.

Genomic Stability

The maintenance of genetic information without alteration over time.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that help regulate the transcription of genes.

Covalent Modifications

Chemical changes made to DNA or proteins that affect their function.

Cellular Functions

The various biological activities performed by cells to maintain life.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its time, preparing for division.

Recombination

The process by which genetic materials are rearranged during meiosis.

Histones

Proteins that package and order DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify DNA, creating multiple copies of a specific region.

Antisense Strand

The strand of DNA that is complementary to the coding strand and is not transcribed.

Sense Strand

The strand of DNA that is transcribed into RNA.