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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a primary function of DNA polymerase?
A
Synthesizing RNA primers
B
Ligating Okazaki fragments
C
Unwinding the DNA helix
D
Proofreading and correcting errors during DNA replication
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication. DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.
Recognize that DNA polymerase has a proofreading function. This means it can identify and correct mismatched nucleotides during DNA replication, ensuring high fidelity in the newly synthesized DNA.
Differentiate between the functions of other enzymes involved in DNA replication. For example, RNA primers are synthesized by primase, Okazaki fragments are joined by DNA ligase, and the DNA helix is unwound by helicase.
Identify that the primary function of DNA polymerase, in the context of the given options, is its ability to proofread and correct errors during DNA replication.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'Proofreading and correcting errors during DNA replication,' as this is a key function of DNA polymerase that ensures the accuracy of DNA replication.