The document summarizes the process of DNA replication. It explains that during replication, the DNA double helix unwinds and splits so that DNA polymerase can copy nucleotides to form new strands on each side. The strands are then rejoined by DNA ligase. It also discusses the importance of telomeres, telomerase, transplanted cells, and Okazaki fragments in replication and cell growth.

1. DNA
Replication
Project
By:
Joseph Whitman
Period 2

2. How its done
 In DNA replication the double helix is
unwound with the help of DNA helicase to
look like a ladder. From there the DNA
splits, and the DNA polymerase copies a new
set of nucleotides for the side which then is
zipped up by DNA ligase forming two different
DNA strands. The strands then just twist back
up into the double helix. This occurs in the
interphase part of mitosis.
 This process is important because it allows for
us all to grow by making new cells

4. Unwound DNA strand
Nucleotide

5. DNA Splitting
Nucleotide

6. A new DNA strand
is made
Nucleotide

7. Telomeres
 Telomeres are important to every eukaryotic
cell. They are bits of chromosomes at the end
of a chromosome that makes it so the
chromosomes do not attach to one another.
 As a person grows older their telomeres
become frayed and worn down and when
they get to short it can begin to destroy and
fray the important part of our genes and lead
to cellular death.
 In cloning the subject would get shortened
telomeres, which could lead to a shortened
life.

8. Telomerase
 Telomerase is an enzyme that adds the
telomere code to the end of a
chromosome on the 3’ end so it can
replicate longer. Cancerous cells find
telomerase very useful as most of the
cancer cells need them for continuous
growth and so the cancer will spread
throughout the body.

9. Transplanted Cells
 Transplanted cells are now being studied.
This is where the infected cells would be
taken out, treated, and then would be
put back in to the body.

10. Okazaki Fragments
 Okazaki fragments are fragments of DNA that
are being replicated on the 5’ to 3’ side of
the DNA. Replication on the 5’ to 3’ strand
cannot be done all at once, so when the
DNA fork gets wide enough, the DNA
polymerase is able to make a new
complementary half for that side. After there
are many Okazaki fragments lined up an
enzyme called DNA ligase can come through
and attach them so you get one continuous
strand of DNA.