UNSW Cell Biology

Medicine: Beginnings, Growth and Development- DNA Replication

Introduction

A cell's genetic information is stored as DNA. Before a cell can divide, into 2 daughter cells, it must replicate this DNA so that each daughter cell has its own genetic material.This replication of DNA occurs at a specific time (S-phase) in the cell cycle.

The cell cycles in mitosis and meiosis (germ cells) differ, with meiosis having a second round of DNA replication.

Mitochondria in the cell cytoplasm have multiple copies of their own DNA which replicates independently of the nuclear DNA.

Student Guide

Brief Study (1-15 minutes)

Start by looking at the online textbooks. These links will give you an introduction to DNA replication and some images of the process.

Detailed Study (15-30 minutes)

Next- more detailed online resources introduce key initiators, proteins and pathways of DNA replication.

In Depth (+30 minutes)

Then- look at the signaling pathways and proteins that regulate DNA replication. Includes links to review articles and animations.

Links

Search NLM Online Textbooks- "DNA Replication"

Molecular Biology of the Cell

Molecular Cell Biology

The Cell- A molecular Approach

Related Topics

nucleus, nucleolus, cell cycle, S- phase, DNA, chromosomes