DNA Replication

7.2

7.2.1

State that DNA replication occurs in a 5-3 direction

Replication proceeds in both directions from the origin and on both strands this causes it to be continuous on the leading strand but discontinuous on the lagging strand

7.2.2 Explain the process of DNA replication in prokaryotes, including the role of enzymes (helicase, DNA polymerase, RNA primase and DNA ligase), Okazaki fragments and deoxynucleoside triphosphates.

This is a very similar process in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In prokaryotes there is one origin of replication whereas eukaryotes there are many (7.2.3). Replication proceeds in both directions from the origin on both strands.

7.2.1 Notice that replication occurs in a 5-3 direction.

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Instead of a nucleotide with a complementary base adding to a new strand, a nucleoside triphosphate does.

When the enzyme is released two phosphates are removed from the nucleoside molecule. This releases energy which forms the bond between the phosphate and the deoxyribose of another nucleotide already formed and in place along the strand. The hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pair then forms.

tri-phosphate base

DNA Polymerase III

deoxyribose

Okazaki fragments

The lagging strand is built in a discontinuous way. (A series of sections of DNA strands built in a 53 way but on an original (lagging) strand which is in a 3-5 direction.) These sections on the lagging strand are called Okazaki fragments. DNA ligase binds these fragments together.

To reproduce, a cell must copy and transmit its genetic information (DNA) to all of its progeny. To do so, DNA replicates, following the process of semiconservative replication. Each strand of the original molecule acts as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary DNA molecule. The two strands of the double helix are first separated by enzymes. With the assistance of other enzymes, spare parts available inside the cell are bound to the individual strands following the rules of complementary base pairing: adenine (A) to thymine (T) and guanine (G) to cytosine (C). Two strands of DNA are obtained from one, having produced two daughter molecules which are identical to one another and to the parent molecule.

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DNA vs RNA
What is the differences between RNA and DNA?

DNA
Deoxyribose Two strands in double helix Thymine Longer Ribose

RNA
One strand only Uracil Usually shorter

Occurs in nucleus of eukaryotic cells

DNA

Occurs in and outside nucleus

mRNA, rRNA, tRNA

7.2.3 State that DNA replication is initiated at many points in eukaryotic chromosomes.