Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Understanding Semi-Conservative DNA Replication & Base Pairing

Word Count Emoji
544 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🎈 Fun Fact: DNA replication is kinda like how a photocopier works - it makes a new, identical copy from an original! Let's dive deep into the magical world of DNA replication.

DNA Replication - Semi-Conservative Style 🔄

  • What's the deal?
    • During DNA replication, the double helix DNA unwinds and separates.
    • Both old strands act as guides or "templates" for creating the new ones.
    • Once done, you have 2 DNA molecules
      • Original strand + New strand = A DNA molecule.
      • This process is called semi-conservative replication.

🌍 Real-World Example: Imagine two dancers holding hands (two DNA strands). They spin and let go to bring new partners in. At the end of the da

Replication Fork 🍴

  • Location, location!
    • The actual "action spot" of DNA copying is called the replication fork.

🌍 Real-World Example: It's like the front of a zipper unzipping a jacket. As it moves, the two sides of the jacket separate, just like the DNA strands!

The Magic of Base Pairing 💑

  • Guided by the bases!
    • The sequence of bases on the original strand decides the sequence on the new strand.
    • Base Rules
      • Adenine (A) ❤️ Thymine (T) - Exclusive dance partners!
      • Cytosine (C) ❤️ Guanine (G) - They only have eyes for each other!
    • These matches are thanks to complementary base pairing.
    • It's a tight system. If a mismatch tries to sneak in, no stable hydrogen bonds are formed, and the intruder is kicked out!

🌍 Real-World Example: Think of it like puzzle pieces. Only the right pieces fit together perfectly. If you try to force a wrong match, the puzzle doesn't come together.

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Understanding Semi-Conservative DNA Replication & Base Pairing

Word Count Emoji
544 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🎈 Fun Fact: DNA replication is kinda like how a photocopier works - it makes a new, identical copy from an original! Let's dive deep into the magical world of DNA replication.

DNA Replication - Semi-Conservative Style 🔄

  • What's the deal?
    • During DNA replication, the double helix DNA unwinds and separates.
    • Both old strands act as guides or "templates" for creating the new ones.
    • Once done, you have 2 DNA molecules
      • Original strand + New strand = A DNA molecule.
      • This process is called semi-conservative replication.

🌍 Real-World Example: Imagine two dancers holding hands (two DNA strands). They spin and let go to bring new partners in. At the end of the da

Replication Fork 🍴

  • Location, location!
    • The actual "action spot" of DNA copying is called the replication fork.

🌍 Real-World Example: It's like the front of a zipper unzipping a jacket. As it moves, the two sides of the jacket separate, just like the DNA strands!

The Magic of Base Pairing 💑

  • Guided by the bases!
    • The sequence of bases on the original strand decides the sequence on the new strand.
    • Base Rules
      • Adenine (A) ❤️ Thymine (T) - Exclusive dance partners!
      • Cytosine (C) ❤️ Guanine (G) - They only have eyes for each other!
    • These matches are thanks to complementary base pairing.
    • It's a tight system. If a mismatch tries to sneak in, no stable hydrogen bonds are formed, and the intruder is kicked out!

🌍 Real-World Example: Think of it like puzzle pieces. Only the right pieces fit together perfectly. If you try to force a wrong match, the puzzle doesn't come together.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟