Mufulira College of Education.

Science Departmet

COURSE : BIOLOGY

NAME : LOUD CHILALA

STUDENT NO. : 23000675

LECTURER : MR CHILESHE

DUE DATE : 08th NOVEMBER, 2023

ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS 1. Identify and list 8 the major proteins

(molecules) that involved in DNA replication. 2. State the function for

each listed molecule. 3. What is the leading and lagging strand

according to the video

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SN Major molecules Functions

1 Initiator Proteins Initiator proteins play a crucial role in the initiation of DNA
replication. Their main function is to recognize specific DNA
sequences known as origins of replication, which mark the
starting points for the replication process. Initiator proteins
bind to these origins and facilitate the recruitment of other
proteins and enzymes necessary for the initiation of DNA
replication, such as helicases and DNA polymerases.

2 DNA Helicase DNA helicase is responsible for unwinding the double-

stranded DNA helix during DNA replication. It separates the
two strands of the DNA double helix, allowing each strand to
be copied by DNA polymerase.

3 DNA polymerase I DNA polymerase I plays a crucial role in DNA replication and
repair. Its main functions include removing the RNA primers
from the lagging strand during DNA replication and replacing
them with DNA nucleotides. Additionally, it has a 5' to 3'
exonuclease activity, enabling it to remove nucleotides from
the end of a DNA strand.

4 DNA polymerase II DNA polymerase II is involved in DNA replication and repair,

primarily in prokaryotic cells. Its function is related to DNA
repair mechanisms, particularly in the repair of damaged DNA.

5 DNA polymerase III DNA polymerase III. Its primary function is to synthesize the
new DNA strand during the replication process. It adds
nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing DNA strand, using the
existing template strand as a guide. This enzyme has a high
processivity, allowing it to rapidly and accurately synthesize
the entire prokaryotic genome during DNA replication.

6 DNA DNA topoisomerases are enzymes or proteins that regulate

Topoisomerases the overwinding or underwinding of DNA strands during
various cellular processes such as DNA replication,
transcription, recombination, and chromosome condensation.
They are responsible for altering the topological state of DNA
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 by either introducing or relaxing supercoils. By doing so, they
help in relieving the torsional strain that builds up in the DNA
molecule during these processes, ensuring proper functioning
and stability of the DNA structure.

7 DNA Ligase
DNA ligase its main function is to join the Okazaki fragments
on the lagging strand during DNA replication, sealing the nicks
between the newly synthesized DNA fragments. It also plays a
crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks, including single-strand
breaks and double-strand breaks, ensuring the integrity and
stability of the DNA molecule.

8 Single-Stranded Single-stranded binding proteins (SSBs) are essential for DNA

Binding proteins replication and repair processes. Their main function is to bind
(SSBs) to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) generated during DNA
replication or repair, preventing it from forming secondary
structures such as hairpin loops or preventing reannealing of
the strands. By stabilizing the single-stranded DNA, SSBs
assist in protecting it from nucleases and maintaining the
accessibility of the DNA template for other enzymes involved
in replication and repair, such as DNA polymerases and
helicases.

Question 3

In DNA replication, the leading strand is the strand that is synthesized continuously in the 5' to
3' direction, following the replication fork. The lagging strand, is synthesized discontinuously in
the 5' to 3' direction away from the replication fork, creating short Okazaki fragments that are
later joined by DNA ligase. This process occurs during the synthesis of the complementary
DNA strands during DNA replication.