Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary role of topoisomerase at the replication fork?
37
views
8. DNA Replication
Overview of DNA Replication
Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary function of DNA polymerase?
A
To unwind the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs
B
To join Okazaki fragments together by forming phosphodiester bonds between adjacent fragments
C
To synthesize a new DNA strand by adding deoxyribonucleotides to the 3′ end of a growing strand using a DNA template
D
To synthesize short RNA primers needed to initiate DNA synthesis
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication. DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.
Step 2: Recall that DNA polymerase adds nucleotides specifically to the 3′ end of the growing DNA strand, which means it synthesizes DNA in the 5′ to 3′ direction.
Step 3: Differentiate DNA polymerase's function from other enzymes involved in replication, such as helicase (which unwinds the DNA helix) and ligase (which joins Okazaki fragments).
Step 4: Recognize that RNA primers are synthesized by primase, not DNA polymerase, to provide a starting point for DNA synthesis.
Step 5: Conclude that the primary function of DNA polymerase is to synthesize a new DNA strand by adding deoxyribonucleotides to the 3′ end of a growing strand using the existing DNA strand as a template.
Related Videos
Related Practice
