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Related Concept Videos

Homologous Recombination02:31

Homologous Recombination

The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...
Homologous Recombination02:31

Homologous Recombination

The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...
DNA Helicases00:55

DNA Helicases

DNA unwinding helicase enzymes are a type of motor protein. Motor proteins can translocate along filaments or polymers using energy generated from ATP hydrolysis. Helicases are involved in all the important cellular processes where DNA unwinding is required, such as DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription. They are present in all living organisms, but vary in their structure, function, and mechanism of action. For example, in prokaryotes, DnaB helicase binds and translocates...
Restarting Stalled Replication Forks02:37

Restarting Stalled Replication Forks

DNA replication is initiated at sites containing predefined DNA sequences known as origins of replication. DNA is unwound at these sites by the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) helicase and other factors such as Cdc45 and the associated GINS complex.The unwound single strands are protected by replication protein A (RPA) until DNA polymerase starts synthesizing DNA at the 5’ end of the strand in the same direction as the replication fork. To prevent the replication fork from falling apart, a...
The Replisome03:01

The Replisome

DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with the...
The Replisome03:01

The Replisome

DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Hybrid Ensemble and Single-molecule Assay to Image the Motion of Fully Reconstituted CMG
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Hybrid Ensemble and Single-molecule Assay to Image the Motion of Fully Reconstituted CMG

Published on: July 26, 2024

The minichromosome maintenance replicative helicase.

Stephen D Bell1, Michael R Botchan

  • 1Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Department, Biology Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|July 25, 2013
PubMed
Summary

The minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex, crucial for DNA replication, consists of six related subunits. Studies reveal its evolutionary link to archaeal MCM, offering insights into replication mechanisms.

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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

Hybrid Ensemble and Single-molecule Assay to Image the Motion of Fully Reconstituted CMG
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Preparation of the Mgm101 Recombination Protein by MBP-based Tagging Strategy

Published on: June 25, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • The eukaryotic replicative helicase, the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex, is essential for DNA replication.
  • The MCM complex is comprised of six distinct subunits: MCM2-7.
  • Sequence analysis suggests these subunits evolved from a common ancestor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evolutionary origins of the eukaryotic MCM complex.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of action of the MCM complex through biochemical and structural studies.
  • To compare eukaryal and archaeal MCM complexes.

Main Methods:

  • Sequence analysis of MCM subunit genes.
  • Biochemical characterization of MCM complexes.
  • Structural studies of MCM complexes (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM).

Main Results:

  • Eukaryotic MCM subunits share sequence homology, indicating a common ancestral origin.
  • Archaea possess a homohexameric MCM complex, supporting the common ancestor hypothesis.
  • Recent biochemical and structural data are providing mechanistic details of MCM function.

Conclusions:

  • The eukaryotic MCM complex evolved from an ancestral homohexameric complex found in archaea.
  • Understanding MCM structure and function is key to understanding DNA replication.
  • Comparative studies of eukaryal and archaeal MCM complexes enhance our mechanistic understanding.