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

1. Introduction to Genetics

Fundamentals of Genetics

Genetics

1. Introduction to Genetics

Fundamentals of Genetics

Previous problemNext problem

1:47 minutes

Problem 10

Textbook Question

Define each of the following terms:

DNA replication

Verified step by step guidance

DNA replication is the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.

This process is essential for cell division, allowing each new cell to receive an exact copy of the DNA.

Replication begins at specific locations in the DNA, known as origins of replication.

The enzyme helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, creating two single strands that serve as templates for the synthesis of new complementary strands.

DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, ensuring that each new DNA molecule is an exact copy of the original.

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 structure, followed by the synthesis of new complementary strands using existing strands as templates. The process ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent cell's genetic material.

Enzymes Involved in DNA Replication

Several key enzymes facilitate DNA replication, including DNA helicase, which unwinds the double helix, and DNA polymerase, which synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand. Other enzymes, such as primase and ligase, play crucial roles in initiating replication and joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, respectively.

Semi-Conservative Replication

DNA replication is described as semi-conservative because each new DNA molecule consists of one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand. This mechanism was confirmed by the Meselson-Stahl experiment and is essential for maintaining genetic fidelity, as it allows for the accurate transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

Watch next

Master Genetics Basics with a bite sized video explanation from Kylia

Start learning