How does DNA come about in eukaryotes?
If you are into the biology of cells, you will certainly be interested in the DNA of eukaryotes. In order to pass on the complete genetic information, specifically coordinated processes take place in the cell. But how does DNA actually come about?
Since the transmission of the genetic information of a cell is very interesting, but also complex and for some If a topic is quite difficult, you will be given a brief explanation of the important ones beforehand Terms.
DNA and eukaryotes simply explained
All multicellular living beings have a highly effective storage medium in the form of DNA, the information density and reliability of which computer manufacturers can only dream of. Coded by the arrangement of the bases adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine, not only is the blueprint of every single component of the cell, the Organs and of the entire individual are stored, but also all biochemical processes, right up to their own duplication, regulated.
- You probably know DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), as the carrier of genetic information, from your school days. This is made up of two antiparallel, complementary nucleotide chains. The DNA double strand is wound in a spiral and is therefore also known as a double helix. But what does DNA do? The deoxyribonucleic acid stores genetic information and passes it on to its daughter cells without errors.
- Are you particularly interested in eukaryotes? What is actually behind this term? In principle, all living things that have a cell nucleus and a cell membrane are called eukaryotes. Most of them are multicellular - like plants, mushrooms and animals. But it also happens that some plants and fungi have a cell wall.
- In contrast to eukaryotes, prokaryotes, which also include bacteria, are much smaller and do not have a real cell nucleus.
- You should also know that the structure of the eukaryotic cell is much more complex than that of a prokaryotic cell due to the large number of proteins and cell organelles.
It is the genetic carrier of the genetic material. DNA or DNA determines whether you ...
How does deoxyribonucleic acid come about?
The replication (duplication) of the DNA takes place in eukaryotes shortly before the cell division (mitosis). You probably know that when a cell divides, the genetic material must first be exactly doubled in order to be able to pass on the complete genetic information. How does the miracle of nature come about?
- In the first step, the double helix is split up by the enzyme helicase - two are formed Replication strands, comparable to the negative of analog photography, which now doubles on the inside will. To do this, the primase synthesizes short RNA fragments, the so-called primers.
- The duplication of the DNA takes place with different mechanisms, whereby the DNA polymerase is attached to the primer of the respective strand docks and the hereditary information in a specifically predetermined direction synthesized.
- The reading takes place evenly in the leading line - on the following line, however, is only replicated piece by piece. Here, the DNA polymerase only synthesizes as far as the replication has progressed, creating so-called Okazaki fragments. New primers (RNA fragments) are constantly required for further replication.
- In the further course, the excess RNA fragments are dissolved and replenished by the DNA polymerase. Finally, the DNA enzyme ligase comes into play, which closes the "gaps" again. A new DNA has emerged - consisting of a parental and a newly formed strand copy.
