DNA Replication Part of Lab Project

DNA Double Helix DNA Double Helix (Ladder

The double-stranded helix, which is hydrogen bonded structure) is unwound and
(spiral) together, is about to break apart supplying the replicated about to unzipped
helix with one of its strands (template) for the formation of (enzyme)
the new double-stranded helix. RNA polymerase will open
the DNA helix starting the transcription process and form
mRNA by joining with the RNA nucleotides.
Ribosomal RNA will be made in nucleolus where DNA
serves as template. rRNA forms subunits of ribosomes by
combining with proteins. Before protein synthesis occurs,
the subunits leave the nucleus and come together in the
cytoplasm.
Messenger RNA uses DNA as template and is made in
nucleus. mRNA delivers genetic information for protein
synthesis to ribosomes in cytoplasm. This stage is known
as initiation. Before delivery, mRNA is processed to
become a mature mRNA molecule. This is done by
capping one end with an altered guanine nucleotide,
adding an adenosine nucleotide tail to the other end, and
removing the introns.
Initiation Large
ribosomal
subunit

Polypeptide

P A
 New DNA nucleotides fit into place
DNA Replication: Semiconservative; through complementary base pairing
enzyme breaks hydrogen bonds and with old strands; joined by enzyme
DNA strand opens; new double helix (polymerase)
will have one strand from original helix
and one new strand

Transfer RNA uses part of DNA as template and is

made in nucleus. tRNA delivers amino acids to
ribosomes where they are joined to create a protein.
This stage is known as translation. All ribosomes
have 1 binding station for mRNA and two binding
stations (A & P) for tRNA. A tRNA comes to the
binding station (A) where it is attached to the growing
polypeptide at the other station (p). This stage is
known as elongation. This step will repeat while the
polypeptide grows. Each tRNA carries one type of
amino acid; there are 20 types.

tRNA polypeptide
at P station Elongation is
occurring

tRNA-amino acid at Ribosome has

A station moved to right
 There are now two identical DNA helices
Each has an old parent strand and a new daughter strand.
An enzyme seals the backbones to prevent breakage.

The last stage is known as

termination. When a stop codon
reaches the ribosome, all members
break away and the polypeptide is
released.

Polypeptide chain of amino acids;

completed protein

Large ribosomal
subunit

Anticodon
Codon S

P A
Members
released

Stop codon