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Multiple Choice
How accurate is DNA replication in eukaryotic cells under normal conditions?
A
Approximately 1 error per 10^6 nucleotides incorporated
B
Approximately 1 error per 10^4 nucleotides incorporated
C
Approximately 1 error per 10^2 nucleotides incorporated
D
Approximately 1 error per 10^9 nucleotides incorporated
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that DNA replication accuracy depends on multiple factors including the inherent fidelity of DNA polymerases, proofreading activity, and mismatch repair mechanisms.
Recall that the initial error rate of DNA polymerase without proofreading is about 1 error per 10^5 to 10^6 nucleotides incorporated.
Consider that the 3' to 5' exonuclease proofreading activity of DNA polymerase reduces the error rate by about 100-fold, improving accuracy significantly.
Account for the mismatch repair system, which further corrects errors missed by proofreading, reducing the error rate by another 100-fold.
Combine these factors to understand that the overall error rate in eukaryotic DNA replication under normal conditions is approximately 1 error per 10^9 nucleotides incorporated.