Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA molecule during replication?
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14. DNA Synthesis
DNA Polymerases
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What enzyme is responsible for adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain during replication?
A
Helicase
B
DNA polymerase
C
Ligase
D
RNA polymerase
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division. It involves unwinding the DNA double helix and synthesizing a new strand complementary to each original strand.
Identify the role of enzymes in DNA replication: Several enzymes are involved in DNA replication, each with a specific function. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, while ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
Focus on the enzyme responsible for nucleotide addition: During DNA replication, nucleotides are added to the growing DNA strand. The enzyme responsible for this task is DNA polymerase.
Differentiate between DNA polymerase and other enzymes: DNA polymerase is distinct from RNA polymerase, which synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription, not replication.
Conclude with the specific function of DNA polymerase: DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing DNA strand, ensuring the new strand is complementary to the template strand.
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