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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly orders the main events during DNA replication?
A
Ligation of fragments, primer synthesis, unwinding of DNA, elongation by DNA polymerase
B
Unwinding of DNA, primer synthesis, elongation by DNA polymerase, ligation of fragments
C
Primer synthesis, ligation of fragments, unwinding of DNA, elongation by DNA polymerase
D
Elongation by DNA polymerase, unwinding of DNA, primer synthesis, ligation of fragments
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of DNA replication. DNA replication is a highly coordinated process that involves several key steps: unwinding the DNA, synthesizing primers, elongating the new DNA strand, and ligating fragments.
Step 2: Begin with unwinding of DNA. Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA, creating a replication fork where the strands are separated and ready for replication.
Step 3: Primer synthesis occurs next. Primase synthesizes short RNA primers that provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin elongation. These primers are necessary because DNA polymerase cannot initiate synthesis on its own.
Step 4: Elongation by DNA polymerase follows primer synthesis. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction, using the original DNA strand as a template.
Step 5: Ligation of fragments is the final step. On the lagging strand, DNA is synthesized in short fragments called Okazaki fragments. DNA ligase seals the gaps between these fragments to create a continuous strand.