DNA Replication

1. DNA Replication: The process of making an identical copy of a DNA molecule, ensuring each new cell receives a full set of genetic instructions.

2. Double Helix: The structure of DNA, consisting of two strands that wind around each other like a twisted ladder.

3. Helicase: An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs.

4. Origin of Replication: Specific sites on the DNA molecule where replication begins.

5. Replication Fork: The Y-shaped structure formed when the DNA double helix is unwound and replication occurs.

6. Leading Strand: The DNA strand that is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction during replication.

7. Lagging Strand: The DNA strand that is synthesized discontinuously in short segments called Okazaki fragments.

8. Okazaki Fragments: Short sequences of DNA nucleotides synthesized discontinuously on the lagging strand during replication.

9. DNA Polymerase: An enzyme that adds complementary nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during replication.

10. RNA Primer: A short segment of RNA that provides a starting point for DNA synthesis.

11. DNA Ligase: An enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments together to form a continuous strand.

12. Topoisomerase: An enzyme that relieves the tension and prevents tangling of the DNA molecule during replication by cutting and rejoining DNA strands.

13. Antiparallel: Refers to the opposite orientation of the two strands in the DNA double helix; one runs 5' to 3' and the other 3' to 5'.

14. S Phase: The phase of the cell cycle during which DNA replication occurs.

15. Proofreading: The function of DNA polymerase that checks and corrects errors during DNA replication.

16. Semi-conservative Replication: The method of DNA replication in which each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.

17. Replication Bubble: A region of DNA where the double helix is unwound and replication occurs.

18. Template Strand: The original DNA strand that serves as a guide for synthesizing a new complementary strand.