Amoeba Sisters Video Recap: DNA Replication
DNA must replicate before a cell divides to ensure that each new cell receives a complete and identical set of genetic instructions. This is essential for maintaining genetic continuity between parent and daughter cells.
Why does DNA need to replicate before cells divide?
So that each cell has a full copy of DNA
Key Terms
Why does DNA need to replicate before cells divide?
So that each cell has a full copy of DNA
Deoxyribose (sugar). Total number in image?
6
Nitrogenous base. Total number in image?
6
Hydrogen bond. Total number in image?
3
Phosphate
Depicted as a green circle on DNA diagram
Helicase:
Enzyme that unzips the the double stranded DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds holding the bases together
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Why does DNA need to replicate before cells divide? | So that each cell has a full copy of DNA |
Deoxyribose (sugar). Total number in image? | 6 |
Nitrogenous base. Total number in image? | 6 |
Hydrogen bond. Total number in image? | 3 |
Phosphate | Depicted as a green circle on DNA diagram |
Helicase: | Enzyme that unzips the the double stranded DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds holding the bases together |
DNA Polymerase: | Enzyme that builds a new DNA molecule by adding complementary strands of DNA to the original, unzipped DNA molecule |
Primase: | Enzyme that synthesizes a primer so DNA polymerase knows where to begin working |
Ligase: | Enzyme that binds or "glues" fragments of DNA together |
Helicase unwinds or unzips DNA strands | |
Primase tells the polymerase where to start | Primase adds a short RNA primer to signal where DNA polymerase should start building the new strand. |
Polymerase builds new DNA using original DNA strand | DNA polymerase builds a new DNA strand by adding complementary nucleotides to the original template strand. |
Ligase - binds or "glues" fragments of new DNA to old DNA | Ligase joins or "glues" together fragments of DNA to create a continuous strand. |
Explain what is meant by the "lagging" strand and why this occurs. | It replicates at a slower pace because it is being replicated in the opposite direction of the replication fork. |