DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during replication by adding nucleotides to a pre-existing strand using the original DNA as a template. It works in the 5′ to 3′ direction, ensuring accurate base-pairing to maintain genetic fidelity. DNA polymerase also has proofreading capabilities, correcting errors […]
RNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription. It binds to specific regions of the DNA called promoters and unwinds the DNA strands to read the sequence. RNA polymerase then assembles complementary RNA nucleotides to form a single-stranded RNA molecule. This RNA serves as […]
Archaebacteria, or archaea, are a group of single-celled microorganisms distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. They thrive in extreme environments like hot springs, salt lakes, and deep-sea vents. Unlike bacteria, archaea have unique cell membranes and genetic material. They lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which sets them apart from true […]
Bacterial conjugation is a process where one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact. A donor cell with a plasmid forms a pilus to connect with a recipient cell, transferring genetic material that can lead to new traits or antibiotic resistance in the recipient. This is an MCQ […]
A restriction enzyme, or restriction endonuclease, is a protein produced by bacteria that cuts DNA at specific sequences, known as recognition sites. These enzymes serve as a defense mechanism against invading viruses by chopping up foreign DNA. In biotechnology, restriction enzymes are used for genetic engineering, as they allow precise […]