Biology DNA Replication

Front

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Back

DNA polymerase synthesizes the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Front

What is the role of RNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Back

RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA primers that are necessary for DNA polymerase to initiate DNA synthesis.

Front

What is the difference between the leading and lagging strands during DNA replication?

Back

The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments (Okazaki fragments) away from the replication fork.

Front

What enzyme is responsible for joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand?

Back

Ligase.

Front

What is the purpose of DNA replication?

Back

To create two identical molecules of DNA for cell division.

Front

What does the term 'antiparallel' refer to in the context of DNA strands?

Back

Antiparallel refers to the orientation of the two strands of DNA, where one strand runs in the 5' to 3' direction and the other runs in the 3' to 5' direction.

Front

What are Okazaki fragments?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the 5' and 3' ends of a DNA strand?

Back

The 5' end has a phosphate group, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group, determining the directionality of DNA synthesis.

Front

What is the function of helicase in DNA replication?

Back

Helicase unwinds the double helix of DNA, separating the two strands to allow replication.

Front

What is the role of primase in DNA replication?

Back

Primase synthesizes short RNA primers that provide a starting point for DNA polymerase.