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Genetics & Biotechnology vocabulary · DNA, Genes and Chromosomes

DNA replication

Meaning in genetics & biotechnology, with examples

nounCore term

In genetics & biotechnology, DNA replication means: The process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA before it divides, so that each new cell receives a full set of genetic information.

In Turkish: DNA replikasyonu, DNA eşlenmesi

How it is used

Used in cell biology, cancer research and genetics teaching. Replication is called 'semi-conservative' because each new DNA molecule keeps one old strand. Key words are origin of replication, DNA polymerase, leading strand and lagging strand. Replication errors are one source of mutations.

Example sentences

  1. DNA replication takes place during the S phase of the cell cycle.

  2. Many chemotherapy drugs stop cancer cells from dividing by blocking DNA replication.

Common collocations

  • origin of replication
  • replication fork
  • errors in DNA replication
  • block DNA replication
  • DNADeoxyribonucleic acid: the long, double-stranded molecule that stores the genetic instructions of almost all living things, written in four chemical bases: A, T, G and C.
  • double helixThe shape of a DNA molecule: two strands twisted around each other like a spiral staircase, with the bases forming the steps in the middle.
  • mutationA permanent change in the DNA sequence. It may have no effect, cause disease or, occasionally, give an advantage.
  • PCRPolymerase chain reaction: a lab method that makes millions of copies of a chosen DNA region by repeating cycles of heating and cooling with primers and a DNA polymerase.

More terms: DNA, Genes and Chromosomes

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