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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about DNA replication is false?
A
DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.
B
DNA replication is semi-conservative.
C
Okazaki fragments are formed on the lagging strand during replication.
D
DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands in the 3' to 5' direction.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA, usually occurring during the S phase of the cell cycle. This ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of DNA.
Learn about the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication: In semi-conservative replication, each of the two new DNA molecules consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. This is a fundamental characteristic of DNA replication.
Explore the role of Okazaki fragments: During replication, the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments known as Okazaki fragments. These fragments are later joined together by the enzyme DNA ligase.
Examine the directionality of DNA synthesis: DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands. It adds nucleotides to the growing strand in the 5' to 3' direction, not 3' to 5'. This is a key aspect of DNA replication.
Identify the false statement: Based on the understanding of DNA replication, the statement 'DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands in the 3' to 5' direction' is false, as DNA polymerase synthesizes in the 5' to 3' direction.