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Multiple Choice
Which type of DNA repair mechanism serves as a backup for the DNA polymerase proofreading function?
A
Homologous recombination
B
Nucleotide excision repair
C
Base excision repair
D
Mismatch repair
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase proofreading: DNA polymerase has a proofreading function that corrects errors during DNA replication by removing incorrectly paired bases.
Identify the types of DNA repair mechanisms: Familiarize yourself with different DNA repair mechanisms such as homologous recombination, nucleotide excision repair, base excision repair, and mismatch repair.
Focus on mismatch repair: Mismatch repair specifically targets errors that escape the proofreading function of DNA polymerase, correcting mismatches that occur during DNA replication.
Compare mismatch repair with other mechanisms: Unlike homologous recombination, nucleotide excision repair, and base excision repair, mismatch repair is directly involved in correcting replication errors that are not fixed by DNA polymerase.
Conclude the role of mismatch repair: Recognize that mismatch repair serves as a backup system to DNA polymerase proofreading, ensuring the fidelity of DNA replication by correcting mismatches.