DNA Replication

Just about every cell in your body carries a copy the information manual, your genome. Yet you started as a single cell. The process of making you required copying that information manual every time a cell divided. This replication is remarkably accurate. Changing the manual by one letter happens approximately once by accident during this process. When you study DNA replication, keep in mind several things. 1. The initiation (start) of DNA replication is a separate event from the replication of DNA that follows the initiation. 2. The molecular events during the process of replication are very similar for all living things, but the initiation of replication is quite variable. 3. Study the differences between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes with respect to the initiation of replication. 4. In all cases, the enzymes which replicate DNA: a) must have a template, b) must have a primer, c) only add nucleotides to a free 3' end of DNA.

Medical Perspectives

Learning resources

• Study Guide
• MBoC,(6th edition) Chapter 5
• DNA Polymerase in action
• DNA Helicase in action
• The sliding clamp
• Replication I
• Replication II
• Extending telomeres
• Narration 1: The base
• Narration 2: the fork
• Narration 3: Ori
• Narration 4: Telomeres