DNA Replication Terminology
Molecular Diagnostics
(MDx) Review 532
TERM EXPLANATION
Replication
Semiconservative replication
Helicase
Replication fork
Template
Primase
RNA primer
DNA polymerase
Continuous synthesis
Reproduction of DNA during cell division.
Newly synthesized strand of DNA consists of 1 strand of original DNA & new daughter strand. Original
DNA is conserved.
Enzyme that unwinds section of DNA by breaking bases’ hydrogen bonds to form 2 single-stranded
templates for replication.
Location where dsDNA separates into ssDNA & synthesis of DNA begins.
Strand of DNA that serves as pattern for new strand of DNA or RNA.
RNA polymerase that synthesizes RNA primers needed to initiate replication.
Segment of RNA formed on DNA template to start replication. Provides 3’OH needed for phosphodi-
ester bond formation with incoming nucleotide.
Enzyme that synthesizes daughter DNA by reading code on DNA template. Can only synthesize DNA
from 5’ end to 3’ end because 3’OH needed to receive incoming nucleotides & form phosphodiester
bonds. Can only extend a nucleotide chain; can’t start one. Needs primer to start.
Synthesis of daughter strand of DNA from 3’–5’ target strand. DNA polymerase proceeds in linear
fashion, assembling series of joined nucleotides in leading strand.
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