Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for adding nucleotides during DNA replication?
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14. DNA Synthesis
DNA Polymerases
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What is the purpose of the 3'-to-5' exonuclease activity of DNA polymerase?
A
To unwind the DNA helix during replication
B
To add nucleotides to the growing DNA strand
C
To synthesize RNA primers for DNA replication
D
To remove mismatched nucleotides during DNA replication
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication. DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.
Recognize the directionality of DNA synthesis. DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA in the 5'-to-3' direction, meaning it adds nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing strand.
Learn about the proofreading function of DNA polymerase. The 3'-to-5' exonuclease activity is a crucial proofreading mechanism that allows DNA polymerase to remove incorrectly paired nucleotides.
Explore how the 3'-to-5' exonuclease activity works. When a mismatched nucleotide is incorporated, the enzyme can backtrack, remove the incorrect nucleotide, and replace it with the correct one, ensuring high fidelity during DNA replication.
Understand the importance of this activity in maintaining genetic integrity. By removing mismatched nucleotides, the 3'-to-5' exonuclease activity helps prevent mutations and ensures accurate DNA replication.
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