answersLogoWhite

0

The two strands of a DNA molecule are antiparallel to one another (the backbone of one strand runs from 5'-3' while the complimentary strand runs 3'-5'). Unfortunately, DNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for replicating DNA, can only make DNA in a 5'-3' direction (and read DNA in the 3'-5' direction). Also, it needs a "primer" to give it a place to bind and start replication. So this creates a problem when synthesizing the 3'-5' stand because your enzyme will only synthesize 5'-3'. During replication this is solved by synthesizing small pieces of DNA ahead of the replication fork on the 5'-3' mother strand. Thus we have one daughter strand which is synthesized as a continuous piece of DNA (called the leading strand) and one daughter strand which is synthesized in small, discontinuous pieces (called the lagging strand). However, at the extreme end of the DNA, we run into another problem. The leading stand can be made to the very end, but the lagging strand cannot because you need the RNA primer upstream to begin each piece of the lagging strand DNA but at the end of the DNA there is nothing for this piece to attach to. Thus, the last section of the lagging strand cannot be synthesized and after several rounds of DNA replication, the DNA molecule gets smaller and smaller. This is "the end of replication problem" and it is solved by putting a DNA cap on the ends of DNA called a telomere which does not code for any protein, thus when this information is lost it does not have severe consequences for the cell.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Biology

What is the significance of the end replication problem in eukaryotes and how does it impact the overall process of DNA replication?

The end replication problem in eukaryotes refers to the challenge of replicating the ends of linear chromosomes, which leads to the loss of genetic material with each cell division. This impacts DNA replication by causing the gradual shortening of chromosomes over time, which can eventually lead to cell aging and potentially contribute to diseases like cancer.


How does the end replication problem and telomerase affect aging in humans?

The end replication problem refers to the gradual shortening of telomeres, which are protective caps at the end of chromosomes, with each cell division. Telomerase is an enzyme that can rebuild telomeres, but its activity is often reduced in aging cells. This leads to cell senescence, reduced tissue repair, and contributes to the aging process in humans.


What is the difference between the 5' and 3' end in DNA replication?

In DNA replication, the 5' end refers to the end of the DNA strand where the phosphate group is attached to the 5th carbon of the sugar molecule, while the 3' end refers to the end where the hydroxyl group is attached to the 3rd carbon of the sugar molecule. This difference in orientation is important for the directionality of DNA synthesis during replication.


True or false replication start at one end of DNA molecule and proceeds to the other end?

True. DNA replication starts at one end of the DNA molecule, known as the replication origin, and proceeds in opposing directions along the two strands until the entire molecule has been copied.


Eukaryotic organisms solve the problem of time constraints on replication of DNA by?

Eukaryotic organisms solve the problem of time constraints on replication of DNA by using multiple origins of replication along each chromosome. This allows for DNA replication to occur simultaneously at several points, speeding up the process. Additionally, eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes and proteins that help ensure efficient and accurate replication of DNA.

Related Questions

How are telomeres important for preserving eukaryotic genes?

Telomeres solve the end replication problem by extending the 3' end of the chromosome. Without them, the 3' end can't be replicated since replication is 5' to 3'.


What is the significance of the end replication problem in eukaryotes and how does it impact the overall process of DNA replication?

The end replication problem in eukaryotes refers to the challenge of replicating the ends of linear chromosomes, which leads to the loss of genetic material with each cell division. This impacts DNA replication by causing the gradual shortening of chromosomes over time, which can eventually lead to cell aging and potentially contribute to diseases like cancer.


How does the end replication problem and telomerase affect aging in humans?

The end replication problem refers to the gradual shortening of telomeres, which are protective caps at the end of chromosomes, with each cell division. Telomerase is an enzyme that can rebuild telomeres, but its activity is often reduced in aging cells. This leads to cell senescence, reduced tissue repair, and contributes to the aging process in humans.


What happens at the DNA replication fork?

The DNA replication fork is where the replication origin forms the Y shape. The replication fork moves down the DNA strand to the strand's end, resulting in every replication fork having a twin.


At the end of DNA replication what are you left with?

Genital Warts


How does the structure of chromosomes in prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells affect the DNA replication processes in a cell?

In prokaryotic cells, which have a single circular chromosome, replication initiates at a single origin of replication and proceeds bidirectionally until the entire chromosome is copied. In contrast, eukaryotic cells have multiple linear chromosomes that replicate from multiple origins of replication simultaneously. The linear nature of eukaryotic chromosomes poses challenges during replication, such as the need to overcome end-replication problem and preserving telomeres.


What is the difference between the 5' and 3' end in DNA replication?

In DNA replication, the 5' end refers to the end of the DNA strand where the phosphate group is attached to the 5th carbon of the sugar molecule, while the 3' end refers to the end where the hydroxyl group is attached to the 3rd carbon of the sugar molecule. This difference in orientation is important for the directionality of DNA synthesis during replication.


True or false replication start at one end of DNA molecule and proceeds to the other end?

True. DNA replication starts at one end of the DNA molecule, known as the replication origin, and proceeds in opposing directions along the two strands until the entire molecule has been copied.


What is the job of the DNA polymerases?

DNA polymerase adds bases to the 3' end during replication. It matches the c with G and A with U during replication. Never add to the 5' end!


Eukaryotic organisms solve the problem of time constraints on replication of DNA by?

Eukaryotic organisms solve the problem of time constraints on replication of DNA by using multiple origins of replication along each chromosome. This allows for DNA replication to occur simultaneously at several points, speeding up the process. Additionally, eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes and proteins that help ensure efficient and accurate replication of DNA.


Does replication of DNA begin at one end and process to the other?

No, DNA replication begins at multiple points along the DNA strand called origins of replication. These origins are then replicated bidirectionally until the entire DNA molecule is copied.


What is the significance of the end of DNA in the process of genetic replication?

The end of DNA is significant in genetic replication because it marks the completion of the replication process. This ensures that the new DNA strands are fully synthesized and identical to the original DNA, allowing for accurate transmission of genetic information to daughter cells.