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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes DNA polymerase?
A
DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to an existing strand.
B
DNA polymerase is responsible for transcribing DNA into RNA.
C
DNA polymerase ligates Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
D
DNA polymerase unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication. DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to an existing strand, which is known as the template strand.
Recognize that DNA polymerase does not transcribe DNA into RNA. This function is performed by RNA polymerase during the process of transcription.
Identify that DNA polymerase does not ligate Okazaki fragments. This task is carried out by DNA ligase, which joins the fragments on the lagging strand during DNA replication.
Clarify that DNA polymerase does not unwind the DNA double helix. The unwinding is done by helicase, an enzyme that separates the two strands of DNA to allow replication to occur.
Conclude that the best description of DNA polymerase is its role in synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to an existing strand, ensuring the accurate replication of the genetic material.