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Multiple Choice
Which protein is responsible for cutting the damaged DNA strand during the DNA repair process?
A
Ligase
B
Polymerase
C
Endonuclease
D
Helicase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of DNA repair: DNA repair is a collection of processes by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.
Identify the role of each protein listed: Ligase is involved in joining DNA strands together, Polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands, Helicase unwinds the DNA helix, and Endonuclease cuts the DNA strand.
Focus on the specific action required in the problem: The problem asks for the protein responsible for cutting the damaged DNA strand.
Recognize the function of Endonuclease: Endonucleases are enzymes that cleave the phosphodiester bond within a polynucleotide chain, which is essential for cutting the damaged DNA strand during repair.
Conclude that Endonuclease is the correct protein for this specific function in the DNA repair process, as it is responsible for making incisions in the DNA strand to remove damaged sections.