DNA Structure and Replication

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What is the basic structural unit of DNA?

The nucleotide is the basic structural unit of DNA.

What are the four nitrogenous bases in DNA?

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

What shape does the DNA molecule typically have?

The DNA molecule is structured as a double helix.

How do adenine and thymine pair in DNA?

Adenine pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds.

How do guanine and cytosine pair in DNA?

Guanine pairs with cytosine through three hydrogen bonds.

What role does the enzyme helicase play in DNA replication?

Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix.

What is the function of DNA polymerase in replication?

DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.

What is the direction of new DNA strand synthesis?

New DNA strands are synthesized in the 5’ to 3’ direction.

What is a replication fork?

A replication fork is the Y-shaped region where DNA is being unwound and replicated.

What is the role of primers in DNA replication?

Primers provide a starting point for DNA synthesis.

What is the lagging strand in DNA replication?

The lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments.

What role does DNA ligase play in DNA replication?

DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.

What is the semi-conservative model of DNA replication?

In the semi-conservative model, each new DNA molecule consists of one parental and one new strand.

What enzyme relieves the tension generated during DNA unwinding?

Topoisomerase relieves the tension by cutting, winding, and re-ligating DNA strands.

What is the origin of replication?

The origin of replication is where the process of DNA replication begins.

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