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Multiple Choice
Which molecule catalyzes covalent bond formation between fragments of DNA?
A
Topoisomerase
B
DNA polymerase
C
Helicase
D
DNA ligase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of DNA ligase in the context of DNA replication and repair. DNA ligase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of covalent bonds between the 3'-hydroxyl group of one DNA fragment and the 5'-phosphate group of another, sealing nicks in the DNA backbone.
Step 2: Compare the functions of the other enzymes listed in the problem. Topoisomerase relieves supercoiling in DNA, DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides, and helicase unwinds the DNA double helix. None of these enzymes are responsible for covalent bond formation between DNA fragments.
Step 3: Recognize that DNA ligase is specifically involved in processes like DNA replication (joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand) and DNA repair (sealing breaks in the DNA backbone). This is a key distinguishing feature of DNA ligase.
Step 4: Recall the chemical mechanism of DNA ligase. It uses ATP or NAD+ as a cofactor to activate the phosphate group at the nick site, facilitating the formation of a phosphodiester bond between DNA fragments.
Step 5: Confirm that DNA ligase is the correct answer based on its unique role in catalyzing covalent bond formation between DNA fragments, which is not performed by the other enzymes listed.