Which chemical process causes RNA or DNA replication?

In summary: Now note the concentration of Cyclin-E in the diagram below: It reaches a maximum right about the start of S-phase so perhaps if you wanted to delve further, you could investigate what mechanism controls the cyclic concentration of cyclin molecules in the cells?
  • #1
relativityfan
75
0
hi,

DNA and RNA seem to be very peculiar molecular structures that are able to replicate themselves, and they are unique regarding this point, right?. But which chemical "magical" phenomena is responsible for this ability to reproduce?
 
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  • #2
No magic, more like clever chemistry. No one phenomena, but combination of many.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcription_(genetics [Broken])
 
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  • #3
the pairing of the bases by hydrogen bonds is probably the main thing
 
  • #4
granpa said:
the pairing of the bases by hydrogen bonds is probably the main thing

But the pairing doesn't have much to do with replication, does it?
 
  • #5
chemisttree said:
But the pairing doesn't have much to do with replication, does it?

Actually for replication, the DNA molecule needs to be split apart. This is done by helicases which break the hydrogen bonds between A-T and G-C pairs. However since A-T pairs have only 2 hydrogen bonds compared with 3 bonds in G-C pairs, they are easier to break. Therefore the splits are usually done in places rich in A-T pairs.
 
  • #6
To quote the original Crick-Watson double-helix paper: "It has not escaped us that the specific pairing we have postulated immediately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material."
 
  • #7
Interphase
 
  • #8
tkpopwers said:
Interphase
interphase is when the replication of dna occurs in the cells
 
  • #9
relativityfan said:
hi,

But which chemical "magical" phenomena is responsible for this ability to reproduce?

Here's the chain of events I found in Wikipedia:

"Within eukaryotes, DNA replication is controlled within the context of the cell cycle. As the cell grows and divides, it progresses through stages in the cell cycle; DNA replication occurs during the S phase (Synthesis phase). The progress of the eukaryotic cell through the cycle is controlled by cell cycle checkpoints. Progression through checkpoints is controlled through complex interactions between various proteins, including cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases.[16]"

"Cyclins are so named because their concentration varies in a cyclical fashion during the cell cycle; they are produced or degraded as needed in order to drive the cell through the different stages of the cell cycle."

Now note the concentration of Cyclin-E in the diagram below: It reaches a maximum right about the start of S-phase so perhaps if you wanted to delve further, you could investigate what mechanism controls the cyclic concentration of cyclin molecules in the cells?
 

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1. What is the main chemical process involved in RNA or DNA replication?

The main chemical process involved in RNA or DNA replication is polymerization, which is the formation of long chains of nucleotides. This process is catalyzed by enzymes called DNA polymerases.

2. What are the key molecules involved in RNA or DNA replication?

The key molecules involved in RNA or DNA replication are nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and enzymes such as DNA polymerases and RNA polymerases, which catalyze the polymerization process.

3. How is RNA or DNA replication initiated?

RNA or DNA replication is initiated by the binding of specific proteins, known as initiation factors, to the DNA at specific sequences called origins of replication. These proteins help to unwind and separate the DNA strands, allowing for the replication process to begin.

4. What is the difference between RNA and DNA replication?

The main difference between RNA and DNA replication is the type of nucleic acid being replicated. RNA replication involves the synthesis of new RNA molecules using DNA as a template, while DNA replication involves the synthesis of new DNA molecules using existing DNA as a template.

5. What are the potential errors that can occur during RNA or DNA replication?

Errors, also known as mutations, can occur during RNA or DNA replication due to mistakes made by the enzymes involved, exposure to mutagens (chemicals or radiation that can cause mutations), or errors in DNA repair mechanisms. These mutations can lead to changes in genetic information and potentially impact the functioning of cells and organisms.

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