Multiple Choice
After a kiss, for approximately how long can trace amounts of foreign DNA typically be detected in the saliva of an individual?
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14. DNA Synthesis
DNA Repair
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The incorporation of an incorrect base into the DNA during replication __________.
A
will almost certainly lead to the death of the cell
B
cannot be repaired, and a new mutation will invariably result
C
will trigger the cell to destroy the new strand, and replication will begin again
D
is virtually impossible, as the accuracy of DNA polymerase is such that errors almost never occur
E
can be repaired by the mismatch repair system
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that DNA replication is a highly accurate process, but errors can still occur. DNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides, has a proofreading ability to correct mistakes during replication.
Recognize that if an incorrect base is incorporated into the DNA, it can lead to a mismatch. This mismatch is a structural anomaly in the DNA double helix.
Learn about the mismatch repair system, which is a cellular mechanism that identifies and repairs these mismatches. This system scans the DNA for errors that escaped the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase.
The mismatch repair system involves several proteins that recognize the mismatch, remove the incorrect base, and fill in the correct nucleotide using the undamaged strand as a template.
Understand that while the mismatch repair system is efficient, it is not perfect. Some errors may still persist, leading to mutations, but the system significantly reduces the mutation rate.
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