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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is primarily responsible for adding new nucleotides to a growing DNA strand during DNA replication?
A
Helicase
B
Primase
C
Ligase
D
DNA polymerase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division. It involves several enzymes working together to ensure accurate copying of the genetic material.
Identify the role of each enzyme listed in the problem: Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer to provide a starting point for DNA synthesis, Ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, and DNA polymerase adds new nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
Focus on the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides: DNA polymerase is the enzyme that synthesizes the new DNA strand by adding complementary nucleotides to the template strand during replication.
Recognize the importance of DNA polymerase: DNA polymerase ensures the accuracy of DNA replication by proofreading and correcting errors as it adds nucleotides.
Conclude that DNA polymerase is the correct answer: Based on its function in DNA replication, DNA polymerase is the enzyme primarily responsible for adding new nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.