Aislinn Aiyanna V.

Nolasco

Amoeba Sisters Video Recap: DNA Replication

1.To understand DNA replication, we need to understand In the below DNA diagram, label ONE of each bolded term:
the “why.” Why does DNA need to replicate before cells 6 (six)
2.Deoxyribose (sugar). Total number in image? _________
divide? 6 (six)
3.Nitrogenous base. Total number in image? ___________
Before a cell divides, its DNA must be copied
________________________________________________ 3 (three)
4.Hydrogen bond. Total number in image? _____________
5. Phosphate. 6(six) or 8 (eight)
exactly so that each daughter cell receives the
________________________________________________ 6.Label 5’ to 3’ strand and 3’ to 5’ strand.
5' to 3' strand 3' to 5' strand
same genetic information, ensuring that genetic
________________________________________________
Nitrogenous Base Deoxyribose

traits are accurately passed on.

________________________________________________

Hydrogen Bond
Phosphate

3.DNA Replication has many key players! These are just a few of the major key player enzymes. In your own words,
describe each of their functions in DNA replication.

Unzips the two strands of DNA and breaks hydrogen bonds.

Helicase:____________________________________________________________________________________________

Builds new a strand of DNA by replicating the strands helicase unzipped first.
DNA Polymerase:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Creates a primer (hence its name) to initialize the replication. Helps polymerase know where to begin.
Primase:____________________________________________________________________________________________

Glues the DNA fragments (Okazaki Strands) of the lagging strand together.
Ligase:_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Aislinn Aiyanna V. Nolasco
Your turn to narrate! Narrate the illustrations below to explain the sequence of events occurring in DNA replication.
4.
The helicase begins to unzip the two DNA strands,
starting from a specific point called the origin. In
organisms with a nucleus (eukaryotes), there are
often many origins, whereas in those without
(prokaryotes), there's usually just one.

5.
SSB proteins grab onto the strands to keep them
apart. Topoisomerase helps by preventing the DNA
from getting too twisted. This stops the strands from
winding back up. Primase is also there to attach a
kind of guide called a primer (made of RNA) onto the
strands. This primer helps show the polymerase
where to begin copying the DNA.

6.

After that, the polymerase begins making new

strands using the original DNA strands as templates.

7.
DNA polymerase can only make new strands in one
direction, from 5' to 3'. It attaches new pieces to the 3' end
of the original DNA strands because the strands run in
opposite directions. This works smoothly for one strand
(the leading strand), but not for the other (the lagging
strand). As the DNA unwinds, the polymerase on the
lagging strand has to catch up, leaving gaps. Ligase then
steps in to patch up these gaps, creating two strands that
each have bits from the original and new DNA.

8.Label the leading and lagging strands in the last picture. Explain what is meant by the “lagging” strand and why this occurs.