Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following enzymes synthesizes the daughter strands during DNA replication?
A
Ligase
B
Helicase
C
DNA polymerase
D
RNA polymerase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules. This process is essential for cell division.
Identify the role of each enzyme listed: Ligase is responsible for joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix. RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription, not replication.
Focus on DNA polymerase: DNA polymerase is the enzyme that synthesizes the new daughter DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand during DNA replication.
Recognize the function of DNA polymerase: DNA polymerase reads the existing DNA strands to create two new strands that match the original ones, ensuring the genetic information is accurately copied.
Conclude that DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing the daughter strands during DNA replication, as it directly adds nucleotides to form the new DNA strands.