DNA Replication

In this session, we learn about DNA replication. We begin by looking at the DNA structure and its components (CG pair, AT pair, cytosine, adenine, guanine, thymine, purines - adenine and guanines). DNA has direction (labeled in a graphic as clockwise), and we use Legos to show how DNA works. We discuss what it means when we say DNA Is antiparallel, and show the replication process (the potential models: semiconservative, conservative, and dispersive). The key players in DNA replication are discussed (the Eukaryotic cycle). DNA polymerase (iII) “scoots along” (exposed DNA for pairing). We use a coat and zipper example to show the replication process, before listing enzymes to that are required for students to know (DNA polymerase I and III, Helicase, Primase, Single stranded binding, Topoisomerase, Ligase).