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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about nucleotide excision repair (NER) is true?
A
NER specifically recognizes and repairs mismatched base pairs.
B
NER only operates during DNA replication.
C
NER is primarily responsible for repairing double-strand breaks in DNA.
D
NER removes bulky DNA lesions, such as thymine dimers, by excising a short single-stranded DNA segment containing the damage.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of nucleotide excision repair (NER). NER is a DNA repair mechanism that removes bulky lesions, such as thymine dimers or chemically modified bases, which distort the DNA helix structure.
Step 2: Clarify the types of damage NER addresses. NER is not responsible for repairing mismatched base pairs (this is handled by mismatch repair) or double-strand breaks (this is handled by mechanisms like homologous recombination or non-homologous end joining).
Step 3: Note the timing of NER activity. NER operates throughout the cell cycle, not exclusively during DNA replication. It functions whenever DNA damage is detected.
Step 4: Describe the process of NER. NER involves recognition of the damage, excision of a short single-stranded DNA segment containing the lesion, and synthesis of a new DNA strand using the undamaged strand as a template.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is: 'NER removes bulky DNA lesions, such as thymine dimers, by excising a short single-stranded DNA segment containing the damage.' This aligns with the primary function of NER.