Multiple Choice
In DNA replication, what is the primary function of DNA helicase at the replication fork?
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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
Unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs
B
Joins Okazaki fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds between them
C
Synthesizes a new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the 3′ end using the template strand
D
Synthesizes short RNA primers required to initiate DNA synthesis
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the overall process of DNA replication, which involves unwinding the DNA, synthesizing new strands, and joining fragments.
Identify the specific function of DNA polymerase, which is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.
Recall that DNA polymerase adds nucleotides only to the 3′ end of the growing strand, meaning it synthesizes DNA in the 5′ to 3′ direction.
Differentiate DNA polymerase's role from other enzymes: helicase unwinds the DNA, ligase joins Okazaki fragments, and primase synthesizes RNA primers.
Conclude that the primary role of DNA polymerase is to synthesize a new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the 3′ end using the template strand.
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