Replication fork
Replication Fork
The Replication Fork (/rɪˈplɪkeɪʃən fɔːrk/), derived from the Latin words 'replicare' meaning 'to fold back' and 'furca' meaning 'fork', is a structure that forms within the nucleus during DNA replication. It is created by helicases, which break the hydrogen bonds holding the two DNA strands together. The resulting structure has two branching "prongs", each made up of a single strand of DNA. These serve as the template for replication.
Structure
The Replication Fork is a Y-shaped structure that serves as the meeting point where the two parental DNA strands are separated and copied to produce two identical daughter strands. The fork consists of two arms, known as the leading and lagging strands. The Leading Strand is synthesized continuously, while the Lagging Strand is synthesized in fragments, known as Okazaki fragments.
Function
The primary function of the Replication Fork is to facilitate the process of DNA replication. It provides a framework where various enzymes, such as DNA Polymerase and Helicase, can function effectively to separate the two DNA strands and synthesize new ones.
Related Terms
- DNA Replication: The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
- Helicase: An enzyme that unwinds the DNA helix at the replication fork, separating the two strands.
- DNA Polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA molecules by adding nucleotides to the DNA strand at the replication fork.
- Leading Strand: The DNA strand at the replication fork that is synthesized continuously.
- Lagging Strand: The DNA strand at the replication fork that is synthesized discontinuously in the form of Okazaki fragments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Replication fork
- Wikipedia's article - Replication fork
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