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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about DNA polymerase is false?
A
DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
B
DNA polymerase has proofreading activity to correct errors.
C
DNA polymerase requires a primer to initiate DNA synthesis.
D
DNA polymerase can initiate DNA synthesis without a template.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase: DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a pre-existing chain during DNA replication.
Review the direction of DNA synthesis: DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA in the 5' to 3' direction, meaning it adds nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing DNA strand.
Consider the proofreading ability: DNA polymerase has a proofreading function, which allows it to remove incorrectly paired nucleotides and replace them with the correct ones, ensuring high fidelity during DNA replication.
Examine the requirement for a primer: DNA polymerase cannot start synthesizing a new DNA strand from scratch; it requires a short RNA or DNA primer with a free 3' hydroxyl group to begin adding nucleotides.
Evaluate the false statement: The statement 'DNA polymerase can initiate DNA synthesis without a template' is false because DNA polymerase requires a template strand to guide the addition of complementary nucleotides.