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Biological Molecules

DNA replication and gene mutations

  • 2 things to know
  • Papers 1, 2 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on helicase, DNA ligase and DNA polymerase in semi-conservative replication, then gene mutations: deletions, insertions, substitutions and frameshifts, and the base change behind sickle cell anaemia and its effect on red blood cells.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Process

What effect does the altered haemoglobin have on red blood cells in sickle cell anaemia?

Process

Why is the sickle cell allele common in some regions?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    State the two functions of DNA helicase during replication.

    Model answer

    It unwinds the double helix and breaks the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs, separating the two strands.

  2. 2

    What is the role of DNA ligase on the lagging strand?

    Model answer

    It joins Okazaki fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides.

  3. 3

    What does it mean that DNA replication is semi-conservative?

    Model answer

    Each new DNA molecule contains one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesised strand.

  4. 4

    In which direction does DNA polymerase synthesise a new DNA strand?

    Model answer

    In the 5′ to 3′ direction.

  5. 5

    Define a gene mutation.

    Model answer

    A change in the sequence of bases in DNA.

  6. 6

    What is a base deletion?

    Model answer

    A mutation where one or more bases are removed from the DNA sequence.

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Biological Molecules
Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
Classification and Biodiversity
Exchange and Transport

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A base.
nitrogenoussulfurphosphate

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ALag phase shows no increase.
BLog phase shows exponential increase.
CStationary phase shows a plateau.

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Oxidation means loss of electrons or hydrogen.
TrueFalse

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