Unit 6 · 6.2 — DNA Replication [cite: 9, 28]

Everything to learn here

• Concept: DNA replication is strictly semi-conservative, meaning each new double helix consists of one intact original template strand and one newly synthesized complementary strand [cite: 13].
• Concept: Enzymatic synthesis exclusively occurs in the 5' to 3' direction, leading directly to a continuous leading strand and a highly fragmented lagging strand [cite: 13, 14].
• Vocabulary: Helicase — the specific enzyme that forcefully unwinds the DNA double helix at the replication fork [cite: 14].
• Vocabulary: DNA Polymerase — the primary catalytic enzyme that reads the template strand and covalently adds complementary free nucleotides [cite: 14].
• Vocabulary: Ligase — the structural enzyme that permanently seals the sugar-phosphate gaps between Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand [cite: 14].
• Vocabulary: Topoisomerase — the enzyme that functions ahead of the replication fork to relieve severe supercoiling tension [cite: 14].

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