Multiple Choice
In DNA replication, in which direction does DNA polymerase synthesize the new DNA strand?
35
views
8. DNA Replication
Overview of DNA Replication
Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary function of DNA ligase?
A
It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand in the direction.
B
It synthesizes short RNA primers needed to initiate DNA synthesis.
C
It unwinds the parental DNA double helix ahead of the replication fork.
D
It seals nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone by forming phosphodiester bonds, joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the overall process of DNA replication, which involves unwinding the DNA, synthesizing new strands, and joining fragments together.
Recognize that DNA polymerase adds nucleotides in the 5\' to 3\' direction but cannot join Okazaki fragments directly on the lagging strand.
Identify the role of RNA primers, which are short RNA sequences synthesized by primase to initiate DNA synthesis.
Focus on the lagging strand, where DNA is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments called Okazaki fragments.
Learn that DNA ligase's primary function is to seal the nicks between Okazaki fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds, thus creating a continuous sugar-phosphate backbone.
Related Videos
Related Practice
