DNA REPLICATION Practice Sheet Name: Valeria Pavon
Complete the following table with the correct information about the steps of DNA replication.
Replication Step Description
After the initiator proteins bind to the replication origin the unwinding gets triggered,
Unwinding helicase comes and attaches to the DNA creating a replication fork breaking the
hydrogen bonds.
single strand binding protein is the enzyme used in order to keep the separation between the 2
Strand Separation strands or “stabilize” them.
DNA primase is the enzyme used in this process which synthesizes short RNA molecules which are
RNA formation called primers which help as being starter points for the new DNA
The enzyme used in this case is DNA polymerase in which the complementary
Nucleotide Binding nucleotides are being added into the growing DNA strand.
Answer the following questions:
Why is replication said to be semiconservative, bidirectional, and discontinuous?
Semiconservative: each new DNA molecule consists of one original or parental strand and a new synthesized or daughter strand.
Biderectional: DNA replication begins at specific origins of replication proceeds in both directions from the origin. This forms two replication forks moving away from each other.
Discontinous: DNA polymerase can only synthesize DNA in the 5’ to 3’ direction, leading strand synthesis is continuous, lagging strand synthesis is discontinous producing short okazaki fragments.
The fragments are later joined by DNA ligase to form a complete strand.
Explain the importance of DNA replication in the cell.
Important because it ensures the accurate transmission of genetic information. Allows cells to divide and pass
identical genetic material to daughter cells. Allows organisms to grow, repair, and reproduce.
What is the role of helicase in DNA replication?
Is an essential enzyme in DNA replication responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA and separating it into
two single strands.
What function does DNA polymerase play during replication?
DNA polymerase adds the complementary deoxyribucleotides (A, T, G, C) to the growing strand.
DNA REPLICATION Practice Sheet Name:
Draw the steps of DNA replication. In each box, draw the event being described. You will need to use 3 different colors: one for the original DNA strands, one for
the leading strand, and one for the lagging strand. Label all the words that are in bold and indicate the 5' and 3' ends.
Draw a double helix with the The helicase begins to DNA polymerase adds DNA polymerase adds Two DNA double helices have
following sequence: 5'- unwind at the replication complementary bases in the complementary bases formed, showing
ACCGTATTGATC-3 and write fork. 5' to 3' direction to form the discontinuously in the 5' to 3' semiconservative replication.
the complementary bases. leading strand. direction to form Okazaki
fragments on the lagging
strand that are then joined by
DNA ligase.
DNA REPLICATION Practice Sheet Name:
Fill in the missing names in each box:
Identify the structure.
1. _____________________________
Helicase Enzyme that unwinds DNA
2. _____________________________ Fragments of copied DNA created on the lagging strand
3. _____________________________ The strand that is copied in a continuous way, from the 3’ to 5’ direction
4. _____________________________ Binds Okazaki fragments
5. _____________________________ Builds a new DNA strand by adding complementary bases
6. _____________________________ Stabilizes the DNA molecule during replication
7. _____________________________ Strand that is copied discontinuously because it is traveling away from helicase
8. _____________________________Initiates the synthesis DNA by creating a short RNA segment at replication fork
Place the events in the correct order:
____ DNA polymerase adds nucleotides in the 5’ to 3’ direction
____ Replication fork is formed
____ DNA polymerase attaches to the primer
____ Okazaki fragments are bound together by ligase
____ DNA helicase unwinds DNA