DNA/Genetics

DNA structure

DNA is to nucleotide polymer is wrapped around each other. Covalent bonds hold the sugar phosphate backbone together. Hydrogen bonds hold the two strands together.

DNA replication

DNA needs to be copied in interphase before cell division. Copied by semi-conservative replication. 3 main enzymes are Helicase DNA Polymerase and Ligase. DNA is synthesized by dehydration synthesis.

helicase

unwinds and separates the DNA strands

DNA polymerase

adds new nucleotides to each of the two strands

ligase

closest gaps in backbone

transcription process

initiation, RNA elongation, stop elongation

initiation

separate DNA strands and bind RNA polymerase at promoter

RNA elongation

by RNA polymerase. Adds bases complementary to the DNA strand it is reading