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Multiple Choice
Proofreading by DNA polymerase involves the removal of which of the following during DNA replication?
A
RNA primers
B
Phosphate groups from the DNA backbone
C
Ribose sugars
D
Incorrectly paired nucleotides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase during DNA replication, which is to synthesize a new strand of DNA complementary to the template strand.
Recognize that DNA polymerase has a proofreading function, which means it can identify and remove incorrectly paired nucleotides that were mistakenly incorporated during replication.
Recall that RNA primers are removed by a different enzyme called RNase H or DNA polymerase I in prokaryotes, not by the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase.
Note that phosphate groups and ribose sugars are structural components of the DNA backbone and are not removed during proofreading; the proofreading specifically targets mismatched bases.
Conclude that the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase involves the removal of incorrectly paired nucleotides to ensure high fidelity in DNA replication.