Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination

DNA Repair

Genetics

17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination

DNA Repair

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of DNA ligase in DNA repair processes?

To remove damaged bases from DNA

To synthesize new DNA strands using a template

To join breaks in the sugar-phosphate backbone by forming phosphodiester bonds

To unwind the DNA double helix ahead of the replication fork

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of DNA ligase in the context of DNA repair and replication processes.

Recall that DNA ligase is an enzyme responsible for joining DNA fragments together by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the 3'-hydroxyl and 5'-phosphate ends of DNA strands.

Recognize that during DNA repair, breaks can occur in the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA, and DNA ligase's job is to seal these nicks to restore the integrity of the DNA molecule.

Differentiate DNA ligase's function from other enzymes: it does not remove damaged bases (that is the role of glycosylases and other repair enzymes), nor does it synthesize new DNA strands (that is the role of DNA polymerase), nor does it unwind DNA (that is the role of helicase).

Conclude that the primary purpose of DNA ligase in DNA repair is to join breaks in the sugar-phosphate backbone by forming phosphodiester bonds, thereby completing the repair process.