DNA replication steps

What is DNA replication?

The process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself.

Step 1 of DNA replication

Initiation, where the DNA helix unwinds at the origin of replication.

Role of helicase

Unwinds and separates the two strands of the DNA double helix.

What are replication forks?

Y-shaped regions where the DNA is split for replication.

What synthesizes new DNA strands?

DNA polymerase adds nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Leading strand vs. lagging strand

Leading is continuous; lagging is synthesized in short segments.

What are Okazaki fragments?

Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand.

True or false: DNA replication is semi-conservative.

True, because each new DNA molecule has one old strand and one new strand.

What is primase?

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA primers needed for DNA polymerase to start.

Role of ligase

Joins Okazaki fragments together to form a continuous strand.

Fill in the blank: DNA replication occurs during ______.

S phase of the cell cycle.

Function of single-strand binding proteins

Prevent the unwound DNA strands from re-annealing.

What is a replication bubble?

Region where DNA is replicated, formed during initiation.

Difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic replication

Prokaryotes have a single origin; eukaryotes have multiple origins.

Quiz question: What happens during elongation?

New nucleotides are added to the growing DNA chain.

What is termination in DNA replication?

Process where replication ends and two identical DNA molecules form.