8. DNA Replication

Which of the following proteins is responsible for synthesizing RNA primers?

The short DNA fragments created during lagging strand replication are called what?

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?

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?

How do we know that DNA synthesis is discontinuous on one of the two template strands?

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?

How do we know that in vivo DNA synthesis occurs in the 5' to 3' direction?

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?

How was it demonstrated that DNA synthesis occurs under the direction of DNA polymerase III and not polymerase I?

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?

Compare conservative, semiconservative, and dispersive modes of DNA replication.

Describe the role of ¹⁵N in the Meselson–Stahl experiment.

Predict the results of the experiment by Taylor, Woods, and Hughes if replication were

(a) conservative and

(b) dispersive.

What are the requirements for in vitro synthesis of DNA under the direction of DNA polymerase I?

In Kornberg's initial experiments, it was rumored that he grew E. coli in Anheuser-Busch beer vats. (Kornberg was working at Washington University in St. Louis.) Why do you think this might have been helpful to the experiment?

How did Kornberg assess the fidelity of DNA polymerase I in copying a DNA template?

Which characteristics of DNA polymerase I raised doubts that its in vivo function is the synthesis of DNA leading to complete replication?

DNA polymerase III is the main DNA-synthesizing enzyme in bacteria. Describe how it carries out its role of elongating a strand of DNA.