Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 40m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 37m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 7m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood1h 22m
18. The Heart1h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance Coming soon
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity Coming soon

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to DNA Replication

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to DNA Replication

2:27 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

Describe the process of DNA replication: the ingredients needed, the steps in the process, and the final product.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the ingredients needed for DNA replication: DNA template, nucleotides (A, T, C, G), DNA polymerase, helicase, primase, and ligase.

Initiate the process by unwinding the DNA double helix using the enzyme helicase, creating two single strands that serve as templates.

Synthesize a short RNA primer on each template strand using the enzyme primase, providing a starting point for DNA polymerase.

Elongate the new DNA strand by adding complementary nucleotides to the template strand, facilitated by DNA polymerase, in the 5' to 3' direction.

Join Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand using DNA ligase to create a continuous DNA strand, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.

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Key Concepts

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

DNA Structure

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double helix composed of nucleotides, which include a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine). The specific pairing of bases (A with T and C with G) is crucial for accurate replication. Understanding this structure is essential for grasping how DNA is copied during replication.

Enzymes in DNA Replication

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

Replication Process

DNA replication occurs in several steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. During initiation, the DNA unwinds and separates at the origin of replication. In elongation, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to form new strands, resulting in two identical DNA molecules. Finally, termination occurs when replication is complete, ensuring that each new DNA molecule consists of one original and one newly synthesized strand, a process known as semi-conservative replication.