Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

8. DNA Replication

Overview of DNA Replication

Genetics

8. DNA Replication

Overview of DNA Replication

Previous problemNext problem

2:01 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

Write a short essay that distinguishes between the terms replication and synthesis, as applied to DNA. Which of the two is most closely allied with the field of biochemistry?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the definitions of replication and synthesis in the context of DNA. DNA replication refers to the process by which a DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules, ensuring genetic information is passed to daughter cells during cell division. DNA synthesis, on the other hand, refers to the creation of new DNA strands, often in laboratory settings, such as during polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Explain the biological significance of DNA replication. Highlight that replication is a natural cellular process essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms. It involves enzymes like DNA polymerase, helicase, and ligase, which work together to unwind the DNA, copy its strands, and seal the new molecules.

Describe DNA synthesis in laboratory settings. Discuss how synthesis is a controlled process used in biochemistry and molecular biology to create specific DNA sequences. This process often involves chemical methods or enzymatic reactions to assemble nucleotides into a desired sequence.

Compare the two processes in terms of their relationship to biochemistry. DNA synthesis is more closely allied with biochemistry because it often involves chemical reactions and the manipulation of molecules in a laboratory environment. DNA replication, while also involving biochemical processes, is primarily studied in the context of cellular biology and genetics.

Conclude by summarizing the distinction: DNA replication is a natural biological process ensuring genetic continuity, while DNA synthesis is a laboratory-based method for creating DNA sequences. Emphasize that DNA synthesis is most closely allied with biochemistry due to its reliance on chemical techniques and molecular manipulation.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Replication

DNA replication is the biological process by which a cell makes an identical copy of its DNA. This occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle and involves unwinding the double helix, followed by the synthesis of new complementary strands using existing strands as templates. Key enzymes, such as DNA polymerase, play crucial roles in this process, ensuring accuracy and fidelity in the genetic material passed to daughter cells.

DNA Synthesis

DNA synthesis refers to the process of creating new DNA molecules, which can occur during replication or in other contexts, such as during the synthesis of DNA from RNA templates in processes like reverse transcription. This term is broader and encompasses various mechanisms, including the assembly of nucleotides into a DNA strand. It is essential in both cellular replication and laboratory techniques, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction).

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. It focuses on the molecular mechanisms of biological functions, including the structure and function of biomolecules like proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. In the context of DNA, biochemistry is closely related to synthesis, as it involves understanding the chemical reactions and pathways that lead to the formation of DNA and its components.

Previous problemNext problem

5:02m

Watch next

Master Directionality with a bite sized video explanation from Kylia

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

In the discussion, we focused on how DNA is replicated and synthesized. We also discussed recombination at the DNA level. Along the way, we encountered many opportunities to consider how this information was acquired. On the basis of these discussions, what answers would you propose to the following fundamental questions?

What observations reveal that a 'telomere problem' exists during eukaryotic DNA replication, and how did we learn of the solution to this problem?

466

views