DNA Structure and Replication Review

Front

What does 'semi-conservative' mean in the context of DNA replication?

Back

It refers to the process where each new DNA molecule consists of one old (template) strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Front

What are the components of a DNA nucleotide?

Back

A DNA nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Front

What are the nitrogenous bases found in DNA?

Back

Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).

Front

What makes up the rungs (steps) of a DNA ladder?

Back

The rungs of a DNA ladder are made up of pairs of nitrogen bases.

Front

What makes up the sides of a DNA ladder?

Back

The sides of a DNA ladder are made up of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups.

Front

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Back

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

Front

How does DNA replication occur on the leading strand?

Back

DNA replication on the leading strand occurs continuously in the 5' to 3' direction.

Front

What is the function of ligase in DNA replication?

Back

Ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, sealing nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone.

Front

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

Back

The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments (Okazaki fragments).

Front

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

Back

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