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Multiple Choice
What is the primary function of DNA polymerase during DNA replication?
A
It repairs mismatched bases in the DNA sequence.
B
It unwinds the DNA double helix.
C
It synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.
D
It joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase in the process of DNA replication. DNA polymerase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in synthesizing new DNA strands.
During DNA replication, the DNA double helix is unwound by another enzyme called helicase, creating two single strands that serve as templates for replication.
DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand by matching complementary bases to the template strand. This process is known as polymerization.
The enzyme works in the 5' to 3' direction, meaning it adds new nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing strand.
While DNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands, other enzymes like ligase join Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, and repair enzymes fix mismatched bases.