DNA was discovered by Friedrich Miescher in 1869. DNA is a double helix structure with four bases: A, T, C, G. DNA contains four bases: A, G, C, T. DNA is made of nucleotides linked by phosphodiester bonds
Geminin is a 30 kDa protein with dual functions in cell cycle and differentiation. Identified through two independent screens in Xenopus neural development. Degrades during mitosis and accumulates in S phase
Base pairs are fundamental units of nucleic acids consisting of two nucleobases. Watson-Crick base pairs (G-C, A-T) maintain DNA helix structure. Base pairing provides redundancy in genetic information. DNA polymerase replicates DNA through base pairing
SSB proteins stabilize single-stranded DNA during replication. Eukaryotic SSB (RPA) is a tetramer with four different domains. SSB exists in all organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and mitochondria. Mitochondrial SSB protein (mtSSB) is encoded by RIM1 gene in yeast
DNA polymerases are essential for DNA replication and repair in all organisms. Different species possess various polymerases with specific functions
Synthesizes continuously in 5' to 3' direction. Requires only one DNA polymerase. Starts with single RNA primer at origin. Synthesis follows replication fork direction. Generally faster and more efficient