BioBeyond Genetic Replication Questions
and Answers
What has to happen to the Okazaki fragments after they are made? The fragments must be
connected
In the Replication Race, you learned that DNA Polymerase in humans copies about 33 bases per
second. Assuming a total genome size of 3,000,000,000 bases, how many seconds are needed to
copy the human genome once? 91000000
How many minutes is that? 1510000
How many hours is that? 26000
How many days is that? 1100
How many years is that? 3
Data gathered on DNA replication in human cells indicate that the entire process takes just 8
hours - what is one way this could happen? There isn't just one polymerase copying the
DNA
How many polymerases must be used to reduce the time needed to copy DNA from about 25,000
hours to 8 hours? 3200
, In prokaryotes, there is typically only one origin of replication with two replication forks - areas
where the DNA is opened up to be copied, like a bubble expanding. In eukaryotes, there can be
many origins, each with two forks. Think back to what you learned about prokaryotes: why is it
possible for prokaryotes to only have one origin? They usually have a smaller genome
than eukaryotes
Use your new knowledge and experience to put these stages of replication in order from first to
last. one copy of the genome exists
DNA is uncoiled from its chromatin form
The DNA double helix is straightened out to a ladder-like state
Hydrogen bonds between bases are broken
DNA polymerases make one continuous strand of DNA and one fragmented strand of new DNA
Okazaki fragments are connected
Two copies of the genome exists
Looking at the images, how many chromosomes are there in a typical human? 46
What do you notice about the chromosomes in both images? They come in pairs
Why are chromosomes a poor way to think of how DNA is normally stored? DNA only
looks like this during replication
and Answers
What has to happen to the Okazaki fragments after they are made? The fragments must be
connected
In the Replication Race, you learned that DNA Polymerase in humans copies about 33 bases per
second. Assuming a total genome size of 3,000,000,000 bases, how many seconds are needed to
copy the human genome once? 91000000
How many minutes is that? 1510000
How many hours is that? 26000
How many days is that? 1100
How many years is that? 3
Data gathered on DNA replication in human cells indicate that the entire process takes just 8
hours - what is one way this could happen? There isn't just one polymerase copying the
DNA
How many polymerases must be used to reduce the time needed to copy DNA from about 25,000
hours to 8 hours? 3200
, In prokaryotes, there is typically only one origin of replication with two replication forks - areas
where the DNA is opened up to be copied, like a bubble expanding. In eukaryotes, there can be
many origins, each with two forks. Think back to what you learned about prokaryotes: why is it
possible for prokaryotes to only have one origin? They usually have a smaller genome
than eukaryotes
Use your new knowledge and experience to put these stages of replication in order from first to
last. one copy of the genome exists
DNA is uncoiled from its chromatin form
The DNA double helix is straightened out to a ladder-like state
Hydrogen bonds between bases are broken
DNA polymerases make one continuous strand of DNA and one fragmented strand of new DNA
Okazaki fragments are connected
Two copies of the genome exists
Looking at the images, how many chromosomes are there in a typical human? 46
What do you notice about the chromosomes in both images? They come in pairs
Why are chromosomes a poor way to think of how DNA is normally stored? DNA only
looks like this during replication
