Multiple Choice
In the process of DNA replication, what is the primary role of DNA polymerase?
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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 helicase at the replication fork?
A
It unwinds the parental double-stranded DNA by breaking hydrogen bonds to separate the two strands.
B
It extends the new DNA strand by adding deoxyribonucleotides to the 3′ end.
C
It seals nicks between Okazaki fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds.
D
It synthesizes short RNA primers needed to initiate DNA synthesis.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context of DNA replication, which involves unwinding the double-stranded DNA to allow each strand to be copied.
Identify the replication fork as the area where the DNA double helix is separated into two single strands to serve as templates.
Recognize that helicase is an enzyme that acts at the replication fork to separate the two strands of DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.
Distinguish helicase's role from other enzymes: DNA polymerase extends new strands, ligase seals nicks, and primase synthesizes RNA primers.
Conclude that the primary role of helicase is to unwind the parental double-stranded DNA, enabling the replication machinery to access single-stranded templates.
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