DNA replication

• What must a cell do before it divides?

  Copy its DNA
• Why is it important to double the DNA before cell division?

  To ensure both daughter cells receive full copies
• What is the process called by which DNA is copied?

  Semi-conservative replication
• What does "semi-conservative" mean in DNA replication?

  One strand is original, one is new
• Why is genetic continuity important in cells?

  To maintain consistent genetic information across generations
• What are the steps of DNA replication?

  1. DNA helicase unwinds the double helix.
  2. Free mononucleotides line up and base pairing occurs.
  3. DNA polymerase joins new nucleotides forming phosphodiester bonds.
  4. Resulting in a double-stranded double helix.
• What enzyme unwinds the DNA double helix?

  DNA helicase
• What does DNA helicase break to unwind the DNA?

  Hydrogen bonds between base pairs
• What do the single strands of DNA act as during replication?

  Templates for new strands
• What occurs after free mononucleotides line up along the strands?

  Complimentary base pairing occurs
• What forms between bases during base pairing?

  Hydrogen bonds
• What does DNA polymerase do during replication?

  Catalyzes condensation reactions to join nucleotides
• What type of bonds are formed to create the sugar-phosphate backbone?

  Phosphodiester bonds
• What is the final structure of the DNA after replication?

  A double-stranded double helix
• What is the origin of one strand in the new DNA molecule?

  It comes from the original DNA
• What is the source of the other strand in the new DNA molecule?

  It is created using complimentary free nucleotides
• What is the significance of semi-conservative replication?

  It conserves half of the original DNA