Multiple Choice
In human cells, where does DNA replication primarily take place?
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8. DNA Replication
Overview of DNA Replication
Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary role of DNA polymerase?
A
It seals nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone to join Okazaki fragments into a continuous strand.
B
It unwinds the double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.
C
It synthesizes a new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the end of a growing strand using the template strand for base pairing.
D
It lays down short RNA primers to provide a free hydroxyl group for DNA synthesis to begin.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the main function of DNA polymerase in DNA replication, which involves synthesizing new DNA strands.
Recall that DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3\' end of a growing DNA strand, using the existing template strand to ensure correct base pairing.
Understand that DNA polymerase cannot initiate synthesis on its own; it requires a primer with a free 3\' hydroxyl group to start adding nucleotides.
Differentiate the roles of other enzymes: DNA ligase seals nicks between Okazaki fragments, helicase unwinds the DNA helix, and primase lays down RNA primers.
Conclude that the primary role of DNA polymerase is to catalyze the formation of the phosphodiester bond by adding nucleotides to the 3\' end of the new strand, extending it in a 5\' to 3\' direction.
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