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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for joining nucleotides together along the sugar-phosphate backbone during DNA replication?
A
DNA polymerase
B
DNA ligase
C
DNA helicase
D
RNA primase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication, which involves unwinding the DNA double helix and synthesizing a new strand complementary to each original strand.
Identify the role of each enzyme involved in DNA replication: DNA helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, RNA primase synthesizes a short RNA primer, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, and DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
Focus on the sugar-phosphate backbone, which is the structural framework of DNA, consisting of alternating sugar and phosphate groups.
Recognize that DNA ligase is the enzyme responsible for joining nucleotides together along the sugar-phosphate backbone, specifically by sealing nicks and joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
Conclude that DNA ligase plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and integrity of the DNA strand during replication by forming phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides.