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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for joining Okazaki fragments during DNA replication?
A
Helicase
B
Primase
C
DNA polymerase I
D
DNA ligase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication: During DNA replication, the DNA double helix is unwound, and new strands are synthesized. The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments.
Identify the role of each enzyme: Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, primase synthesizes RNA primers, and DNA polymerase I replaces RNA primers with DNA nucleotides.
Focus on the lagging strand: Okazaki fragments are short DNA sequences synthesized on the lagging strand. These fragments need to be joined together to form a continuous DNA strand.
Determine the enzyme responsible for joining Okazaki fragments: DNA ligase is the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the Okazaki fragments, effectively joining them into a single continuous strand.
Conclude with the correct enzyme: Based on the roles of the enzymes involved in DNA replication, DNA ligase is responsible for joining Okazaki fragments during DNA replication.