Loading...

Prerequisite skills needed:

  • DNA Structure
  • Relevant book section: pages 377-386

By completing this simulation, you will:

  • Understand the components and respective functions of the DNA replication fork
  • Understand the process and purpose of DNA replication
  • Build a DNA replisome

DNA Replication

Instructions Drag each label to the statement that best describes that protein’s function in replication.
Instructions Now that you have placed the helicase and clamp loader onto the DNA strand, please load the primase in the appropriate spot.
Congratulations, you successfully placed the primase. Now please put a polymerase on the leading strand of the fork.
Instructions Now place the polymerase on the lagging strand.
Instructions Now place the final polymerase behind the helicase to complete the structure.
Instructions Now place a clamp on the leading strand.
Instructions Now place a clamp on the lagging strand.
Instructions Please watch the animation below. When it is finished, click the continue button to move to the next part of the activity. Click the replay button to see replication again.
Instructions Now drop the appropriate labels on the appropriate structures.
Instructions Now you will build a structure similar to the original, but it will have no left polymerase. Use the figures on the left to build this structure. When you are done, please click the submit answer button. If you are correct, you will see an animation of the result.
Instructions Sorry, that is the incorrect answer. Please try again.
Congratulations That is the correct answer. Please watch the animation below to see what happens.
Instructions Now you will build a another structure similar to the original, but it will have no primase. Use the figures on the left to build this structure. When you are done, please click the submit answer button. If you are correct, you will see an animation of the result.
Instructions Sorry, that is the incorrect answer. Please try again.
Congratulations That is the correct answer. Please watch the animation below to see what happens.
Instructions Now you will build a another structure similar to the original, but it will have only have a polymerase on the leading strand. There should be no other polymerases present. When you are done, please click the submit answer button.
Congratulations That is the correct answer. Please watch the animation below to see what happens. You have completed the entire activity and should now have a more solid understanding of DNA replication.
Amino Acid (ex. ALA)
Anti-Codon (ex. GAA)

Helicase

Primase

Pol III Core

Clamp Loader

β Clamp

Helicase

Primase

Pol III Core

Clamp Loader

β Clamp