AP®︎ Biology: Topic 6.2 Flashcards

Master key terms and definitions for Topic 6.2 of AP Biology – DNA Replication to help you prep for quizzes and the AP exam.

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Term

DNA Replication

Definition

The process of copying DNA before cell division to produce two identical DNA molecules.

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DNA Replication
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The process of copying DNA before cell division to produce two identical DNA molecules.

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Semiconservative Replication
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Each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one newly synthesized complementary strand.

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Meselson-Stahl Experiment
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A 1958 experiment using nitrogen isotopes that demonstrated DNA replication is semiconservative.

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Template Strand
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The original DNA strand used to determine the sequence of a new complementary strand.

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Complementary Base Pairing
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A pairs with T and C pairs with G, allowing accurate copying of DNA.

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5 Prime to 3 Prime Direction
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New DNA is synthesized by adding nucleotides only to the 3 prime end.

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Replication Fork
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The Y-shaped region where parental DNA strands separate and new strands are synthesized.

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Helicase
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An enzyme that unwinds the double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs.

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Topoisomerase
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An enzyme that relieves twisting strain ahead of the replication fork by relaxing supercoils.

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DNA Polymerase
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An enzyme that adds complementary nucleotides to build a new DNA strand.

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Leading and Lagging Strands
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Leading is synthesized continuously toward the fork; lagging is synthesized discontinuously away from it.

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Okazaki Fragments
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Short DNA segments formed discontinuously on the lagging strand during replication.

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DNA Ligase
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An enzyme that seals breaks in the sugar-phosphate backbone, joining DNA fragments together.

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Proofreading
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Error-correction by DNA polymerase that removes mismatched nucleotides during replication.

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Mutation
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A change in DNA sequence that can result from replication errors not corrected.

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RNA Primers and Primase
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Short RNA starters made by primase allow DNA polymerase to begin synthesis.

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