Edexcel A-Level Biology B 9BI0
Biological Molecules
Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
Classification and Biodiversity
Exchange and Transport
Energy for Biological Processes
Microbiology and Pathogens
Modern Genetics
Origins of Genetic Variation
Control Systems
Ecosystems
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.
Why is the sickle cell allele common in some regions?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 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
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
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
In which direction does DNA polymerase synthesise a new DNA strand?
Model answer
In the 5′ to 3′ direction.
- 5
Define a gene mutation.
Model answer
A change in the sequence of bases in DNA.
- 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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