Preview - Exploring Dna Replication

Challenge 1: Unwind the DNA

Start by specifying the following settings in the simulator:

DNA-strand-length:  30                                            Speed:  Normal

Enzyme labels: checked                                          Substitutions:  unchecked

Nucleo labels: unchecked                                       Free-nucleosides:  50                   Time-limit:  None
 

When you have chosen the correct settings, press SETUP

 

The simulation setup shows the tools you will need to replicate DNA.  You have a strand of Condensed DNA, Free Nucleotides and Replication Enzymes:

Your GOAL  in PART 1 is to replicate (copy) a length of DNA by completing four CHALLENGES.

EXPLORE THE BIOLOGY:

Enzymes are proteins that perform chemical reactions in cells.  This simulation shows you four different enzymes that are integral to DNA replication. 

Press GO/STOP to start the simulation! 

Questions

Please answer the questions below.

Question 1:  Which enzyme unwinds condensed DNA? 

Hint: Try moving the different enzymes to the condensed DNA. 

[Note: you may have to “let an enzyme go” with your mouse in order to see the enzyme work.]

Notes

These notes will appear on every page in this lesson so feel free to put anything here you'd like to keep track of.