Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT involved in the unwinding of DNA during replication?
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17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination
DNA Repair
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How does DNA ligase function during DNA replication?
A
It removes mismatched nucleotides during proofreading.
B
It joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand by forming phosphodiester bonds.
C
It unwinds the DNA double helix to allow replication to proceed.
D
It synthesizes RNA primers to initiate DNA synthesis.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of DNA ligase in DNA replication, which is to join DNA fragments together rather than synthesizing or proofreading DNA.
Recall that during replication, the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short segments called Okazaki fragments.
Recognize that these Okazaki fragments need to be connected to form a continuous strand.
Know that DNA ligase catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent nucleotides, sealing the nicks between Okazaki fragments.
Differentiate DNA ligase's function from other enzymes: it does not remove mismatched nucleotides (that's proofreading), unwind DNA (that's helicase), or synthesize RNA primers (that's primase).
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