Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
DNA Structure
DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, with each strand made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine). The sequence of these bases encodes genetic information, and the strands are complementary, meaning that adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.
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Enzymes in DNA Replication
During DNA replication, several key enzymes are involved. DNA helicase unwinds the double helix, while DNA polymerase synthesizes new strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand. Additionally, ligase is responsible for joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, ensuring the integrity of the newly formed DNA.
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Transcription and Translation
Transcription is the process by which the DNA sequence is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA), which then serves as a template for translation. During translation, ribosomes read the mRNA sequence to synthesize proteins by linking amino acids in the order specified by the mRNA. Understanding these processes is crucial for grasping how genetic information is expressed and utilized in cells.
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