CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
During DNA replication in a bacterial cell, the two strands of the double helix are replicated differently. Describe the process of semi-conservative replication, explaining why one new strand (the leading strand) is synthesized continuously while the other (the lagging strand) is synthesized as short fragments. In your answer, refer to the roles of DNA polymerase and DNA ligase.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.
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