Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

14. DNA Replication

Leading & Lagging DNA Strands

Microbiology

14. DNA Replication

Leading & Lagging DNA Strands

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Multiple Choice

The mechanisms of DNA synthesis differs between the two new daughter strands during replication. This is due to the fact that:

one RNA primer attaches to the 5' end of the parent strand and the other primer to the 3' end.

Both daughter strands can't extend toward the replication fork because there would not be room for two DNA polymerase enzymes.

Both RNA primers attach to the 3' end of the template strands, which are at opposite ends from each other.

The DNA strands run antiparallel to each other and the DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing strand.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of antiparallel strands: DNA is composed of two strands that run in opposite directions, meaning one strand runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'.

Recognize the role of DNA polymerase: DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to a growing DNA strand, but it can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of the strand.

Identify the leading and lagging strands: During replication, one strand (the leading strand) is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, while the other strand (the lagging strand) is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments.

Explain the need for RNA primers: RNA primers are short sequences that provide a starting point for DNA synthesis. On the lagging strand, multiple primers are needed to initiate the synthesis of each Okazaki fragment.

Clarify the directionality of synthesis: The antiparallel nature of DNA and the 3' end requirement for DNA polymerase result in the leading strand being synthesized continuously and the lagging strand being synthesized discontinuously.