What is the best way to remember DNA replication?

Remember that DNA replication involves many enzymes in its process- and that you need to know their names and what they do!it is also useful to remember the mechanisms behind DNA replication, and how DNA structure allows for replication to occuri.e. the double helix structure, as well as the nucleotides that join the two helix, and how this structure allows for semi conservative replication. Start with the unwinding of the DNA- this must be done so that the enzymes have access to free nucleotide bases in order for semi conservative replication. This is done by the enzyme helicase, and breaks the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotides. I remember this by the H in helicase and hydrogen. This allows me to remember the role of helicase and breaking hydrogen bonds.RNA primase then adds primer RNA to both strands at their starting points (5' end)Primase and primer sound very similar, and the role of primer can be compared to that of paint or makeup primer, which sets a foundation for the next stepsDNA polymerase III then adds conjugate bases starting from the primer, moving in a 5' to 3' direction. This means that one will have do this in a continuous manner, and one will do it in fragments called Okazaki fragments (which requires multiple primers). I remember this by thinking that the addition of bases in a 5' to 3' order seems like it should be in the opposite order, but it is not. Breaking the word O-ka-za-ki in to fragments allows for the remembering of what the fragments are called. DNA polmerase I then replaces the RNA primers with DNA.I like to remember this as going back to the 1st step after unwinding and correcting the processLigase then joins the Okazaki fragments Ligase can be referred to as the 'glue' to remember its role!

Answered by Sophia B. Biology tutor

7859 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

What are the arguments for the endosymbiotic theory?


Describe the structure of proteins


What are monoclonal antibodies and how are they used in treatment?


Explain what 5' and 3' ends mean in regards to DNA structure?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences