DNA Replication

From WikiLectures

(Redirected from DNA synthesis)

Under construction / Forgotten

This article was marked by its author as Under construction, but the last edit is older than 30 days. If you want to edit this page, please try to contact its author first (you fill find him in the history). Watch the discussion as well. If the author will not continue in work, remove the template {{Under construction}} and edit the page.

Last update: Monday, 08 Dec 2014 at 5.44 pm.


DNA replication produces two new daughter DNA strands that are identical to the original DNA. The resulting DNA strands are semi-conservative, as they contain one strand from the original DNA molecule and one newly synthesized strand. The process requires DNA helicase to unwind the DNA double helix. DNA single-stranded binding proteins (SSBPs) bind to single stranded regions of DNA and help stabilize the extended single stranded templates[1]. DNA gyrases catalyses negative supercoils and assist the unwinding process.

Leading strand[edit | edit source]

New DNA strands are intiated by RNA primers, the synthesis of which is catalyzed by enzymes called primases. In the 5’-3’ direction a continuous strand of DNA is created, the leading strand.

Lagging strand[edit | edit source]

Okazaki fragments are created leading to the formation of the lagging strand. Short segments are covalently bound together by polynucleotide ligase.

Y-replication fork[edit | edit source]

Replication fork.svg

DNA replication takes place at multiple points and forms replication forks which, are Y shaped structures. The progresses in both directions forming replication bubbles. The replication origins are approximately 50 to 300 kb (kilobases) apart[2]. After initiation, elongation of the DNA is carried out by DNA polymerase III. Polymerase I subsequently removes RNA primers.


Links[edit | edit source]

Related articles[edit | edit source]

Sources[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. GARDNER/ SIMMONS/ SNUSTAD,. Principles of Genetics. 8th Edition edition. 1991. ISBN ISBN 0-471-50487-4.
  2. TURNPENNY AND ELLARD,. Emery’s elements of medical genetics. 14th Edition edition. 2012. ISBN ISBN 978-0-7020-4043-6.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

Further reading[edit | edit source]