Science Assessment Task

Science Assessment Task – Investigating DNA Replication
When and where in the cell does DNA replication occur?

The process of replicating a double-stranded DNA molecule into two identical DNA
molecules is known as DNA replication. In the cell DNA replication occurs in the nucleus.
The cell cycle is divided into four phases: M, G 1, S and G2. The replication process occurs
during the S stage of interphase. The cell synthesises a full copy of DNA in its nucleus during
S phase. It also copies the centrosome, a microtubule-organizing structure.
Steps and enzymes required for DNA Replication

During the process of DNA replication, there are many steps involved. The main three steps
are initiation, elongation, and termination.
Initiation
DNA synthesis begins at certain coding areas
known as 'origins' within the DNA strand.
Initiator proteins target these origins, which
then attract other proteins to enhance the
replication process, producing a replication
complex surrounding the DNA origin. There are several origin sites, and these sites are
referred to as replication forks when DNA replication begins.
The enzyme DNA Helicase is located within the replication complex and unfolds the double
helix, exposing the two strands so that they can be utilised as a template for replication.
Another enzyme involved in DNA replication is DNA Primase. It makes a tiny RNA primer
that works as a DNA Polymerase "kick-starter." DNA Polymerase is the enzyme that is
responsible for the formation and growth of new DNA strands.
Elongation
The DNA Polymerase can begin synthesising
new DNA to match the templates once it has
linked to the original, unzipped two strands of
DNA.
The new strand will be generated in a 5' to 3' direction if one of the templates is read in a 3' to
5' direction. The Leading Strand is the name given to the freshly developed strand. To initiate
DNA Polymerase down this thread, DNA Primase only needs to synthesise an RNA primer
once, at the start. Because DNA Polymerase can read the template 3′ to 5′ and synthesise in a
5′ to 3′ manner, it can stretch the new DNA strand.
Termination
The process of expanding new DNA strands
continues until either no more DNA template is
available for replication, or two replication
forks meet and terminate. The meeting of two replication forks is uncontrolled and occurs at
random throughout the chromosome's length.
It's critical that the freshly synthesised strands are bound, and stabilised once DNA synthesis
is complete. Two enzymes are required to make the lagging strand: RNAase H removes the
RNA primer from the beginning of each Okazaki fragment. Okazaki fragments are short
DNA nucleotide sequences that are generated in a random order and then joined together by
DNA ligase to form the lagging strand during DNA replication. Then DNA Ligase links
pieces together to form a single strand.
How the process protects itself against mutations?

Replication mistakes and DNA damage occur often in the cells of our bodies. However, in
the vast majority of cases, they do not produce cancer or even mutations. This is because
DNA proofreading and repair systems normally find and correct them.
DNA polymerases are enzymes that help cells create DNA. Most DNA polymerases can
“check their work” with each base they add during DNA replication. Proofreading is the term
for this procedure. If the polymerase finds an incorrect nucleotide, it will immediately delete
and replace the nucleotide before proceeding with DNA replication.
Why this process is important for growth and repair?

The goal of DNA replication is to duplicate a DNA molecule twice. Cell division is required
for tissue growth and repair and is needed for damaged tissues. Each new cell acquires a copy
of the DNA through DNA replication. Because it transmits genetic information, DNA
replication is critical to a multicellular organism's growth and development. DNA replication
also assists in when an organism such as a person is cut or damaged. To help heal the damage
DNA is replicated to replace those damaged cells.
Journal
27/08/2021
Started my science assignment. Finished first question on when and where
DNA replication occurs.
-NS
28/08/2021
Continued assignment. Started steps and enzymes involved in DNA replication.
-NS
28/08/2021
Finished steps and enzymes involved in DNA replication. Started on how it
protects itself from mutations.
-NS
28/08/2021
Finished on how it protects itself from mutations. Starting why it is important
for growth and repair.
-NS
30/08/2021
Finished why the process is important for growth and repair.
-NS
2/09/2021
Started Double helix model.
-NS
2/09/2021
Finished sugar and phosphate backbone.
-NS
2/09/2021
Added 7 nucleotides to the backbone. Still need to add 3 more nucleotides.
-NS
2/09/2021
Finished double helix model.
-NS
6/09/2021
Fixed up information on when and where DNA replication occurs. -NS
Bibliography
George Dovey 2020, DNA replication, viewed 6th September 2021,
https://teachmephysiology.com/biochemistry/cell-growth-death/dna-replication/
Tibi Puiu 2021, What are the steps of DNA replication?, viewed 6th September
2021, https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/genetic/dna-replication-steps-
43264/
Khan Academy, DNA proofreading and repair, viewed 6th September 2021,
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/dna-as-the-genetic-material/dna-
replication/a/dna-proofreading-and-repair
Fatima 2018, Where in the cell does DNA replication, transcription, and
translation occur?, viewed 6th September 2021,
https://socratic.org/questions/where-in-the-cell-does-dna-replication-
transcription-and-translation-occur
ExpertVillage Leaf Group 2020, Where in the Cell Does DNA Replication
Occur?, online video, viewed 6th September 2021,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPKG6OtLY5g
No author, DNA REPLICATION (BASIC), viewed 6th September 2021,

https://www.pathwayz.org/Tree/Plain/DNA+REPLICATION+%28BASIC%29

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Science Assessment Task – Investigating DNA Replication

When and where in the cell does DNA replication occur?

Steps and enzymes required for DNA Replication

How the process protects itself against mutations?

Why this process is important for growth and repair?

No author, DNA REPLICATION (BASIC), viewed 6th September 2021,

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