Biology of Plants
Biology of Plants
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Author: Evert, Ray F./
Publisher: Macmillan Higher Education
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Chapter 9, Problem 1CP
Summary Introduction

To determine: The way in which DNA replication occurs.

Introduction: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic material that is present in most organisms (except some viruses). They are present inside the chromosomes in the form of coded genetic information. This information is passed on from one generation to next generation by the process of sexual reproduction. 

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DNA replication results in the synthesis of two identical replicas of DNA from the parent DNA. It is a stepwise process that includes the following steps:

  • Unwinding of the double helix DNA occurs in the presence of helicase enzyme.
  • Using the original strand as template, the synthesis of the complementary strand by the enzyme DNA polymerase in 5’ to 3’ direction.
  • The synthesis of complementary strand is initiated by the RNA primer by the enzyme RNA primase.
  • In the leading strand (3’ to 5’ direction), a single primer is involved in the synthesis of complementary bases in a continuous manner.
  • In the lagging strand, the synthesis of complementary bases occurs discontinuously as short fragments called Okazaki fragments. Individual primers are required for synthesizing each fragment.
  • Later, DNA polymerase replaces the RNA primer that is attached to the 5’ end of the Okazaki fragments, and the fragments are joined by DNA ligase to form a single continuous strand.
  • Topoisomerase is the enzyme that prevents the DNA molecule from winding again after the strands are separated.

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