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6 views

Steps

Uploaded by

Jake Desierto Densing
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Life in four letters

Structure and function of DNA


DNA Replication
DNA replication is the process by which the DNA molecule is
duplicated before a cell divides. It begins with the separation of
the two complementary DNA strands, followed by the
construction of new complementary strands from available
nucleotides. It is essential for cell reproduction and inheritance.
STEPS

Initiation Elongation Termination


INITIATION

DNA replication starts at a particular location


on the DNA, called the origin of replication.
Helicase unzips the DNA forming replication
fork.
Single-stranded Binding Proteins coat the
separated strands of DNA to prevent them
from rewinding into a double helix.
RNA primers are synthesised by primase. These
primers are complementary to the DNA strand.
ELONGINATION
DNA polymerase III starting from the RNA primer
synthesize the complementary sequence in each of the
strands with the help of a protein sliding clamp and
enzyme topoisomerase.

The Leading Strand will have continuous synthesis

The Lagging Strand will have discontinuous synthesis.

Ligase bond together the gaps.


TERMINATION

An exonuclease removes all RNA primers in the


lagging strand
Replacement of RNA primers with DNA by DNA
polymerase I

The nicks that remain after the primers are


replaced get sealed by the enzyme DNA ligase
forming a complete strand.
TUS PROTEINS

DNA replication is crucial during cell division (mitosis and


meiosis) as it ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact
copy of the genetic information. Without accurate replication,
genetic errors and cellular dysfunctions could occur.
DNA Polymerase I
The two DNA strands unwind and separate, breaking the hydrogen
bonds between complementary bases (A-T, C-G).

DNA Polymerase II
It is responsible for primer extension and proofreading.

DNA Polymerase III


Main polymerizing enzyme
DNA Polymerase I
The two DNA strands unwind and separate, breaking the hydrogen
bonds between complementary bases (A-T, C-G).

DNA Polymerase II
It is responsible for primer extension and proofreading.

DNA Polymerase III


Main polymerizing enzyme
HELICASE
Helicase is the enzyme, which unzips the DNA strands by breaking the
hydrogen bonds between them. Thus, it helps in the formation of the
replication fork.

LIGASE
Ligase is the enzyme which joins together the Okazaki fragments of the
discontinuous DNA strands.

PRIMASE
This enzyme helps in the synthesis of RNA primer complementary to
the DNA template strand.

SINGLE-STRANDED BINDING PROTEINS


It binds to single-stranded DNA and protects it from forming secondary
structures.
SLIDING CLAMP
Holds DNA polymerase III in place as they synthesize DNA. It helps
keep the DNA polymerase in the lagging strand from dislocation

TOPOISOMERASE
prevents the supercoiling of DNA.

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