The 6-membered ring is the replicative helicase DnaB, and that moves
along the lagging strand template to unwind DNA at the fork. All other replisome
components shown must interact with the τ subunit of the clamp loader. There are
three polymerases attached to the τ subunit, with two synthesizing DNA at any
given time.
Loading...
Objective
Explore the structure of the replisome, and understand the functions of individual components of the DNA replication machinery.
Reward
Collect the DNA Replication token and unlock markers for additional simulations.
DNA Replication
InstructionsDrag 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.
Instructions 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
This hand-shaped protein catalyzes the polymerization reaction.
This ring-shaped protein enhances the processivity of DNA polymerization.
This protein complex facilitates placement of other proteins onto the
DNA.
This component of the replisome synthesizes RNA and requires association with
the helicase for activity.
This hexameric protein harnesses the energy of NTP hydrolysis to drive DNA
strand separation.
