Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

8. DNA Replication

Overview of DNA Replication

Genetics

8. DNA Replication

Overview of DNA Replication

Previous problemNext problem

1:04 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

How did Kornberg assess the fidelity of DNA polymerase I in copying a DNA template?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of fidelity in DNA replication: Fidelity refers to the accuracy with which DNA polymerase copies the DNA template, ensuring minimal errors during replication.

Recognize the role of DNA polymerase I: Kornberg studied DNA polymerase I, an enzyme responsible for synthesizing DNA by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

Learn about the experimental setup: Kornberg used a DNA template and provided the necessary components for DNA synthesis, including nucleotides and DNA polymerase I, in a controlled environment.

Examine the method to assess fidelity: Kornberg measured the incorporation of correct nucleotides versus incorrect ones during DNA synthesis. This involved analyzing the newly synthesized DNA for errors using biochemical techniques such as base composition analysis or enzymatic digestion.

Understand the significance of the results: Kornberg demonstrated that DNA polymerase I had high fidelity, meaning it accurately copied the DNA template with minimal errors, which was crucial for understanding the enzyme's role in DNA replication.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Polymerase I Function

DNA Polymerase I is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to a DNA template. It plays a crucial role in DNA replication and repair, ensuring that genetic information is accurately copied. Understanding its mechanism is essential for assessing its fidelity in copying DNA.

Fidelity in DNA Replication

Fidelity refers to the accuracy with which DNA polymerases replicate DNA. High fidelity is critical to prevent mutations, which can lead to genetic disorders or cancer. Factors influencing fidelity include the enzyme's proofreading ability, which allows it to correct errors during DNA synthesis.

Experimental Assessment Techniques

Kornberg employed various experimental techniques to assess the fidelity of DNA Polymerase I, such as using labeled nucleotides to track incorporation and measuring the frequency of errors. These methods allowed for quantifying how often the enzyme made mistakes while copying a DNA template, providing insights into its accuracy.

Watch next

Master Directionality with a bite sized video explanation from Kylia

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Describe the role of ¹⁵N in the Meselson–Stahl experiment.

815

views

Textbook Question

Predict the results of the experiment by Taylor, Woods, and Hughes if replication were

(a) conservative and

(b) dispersive.

944

views

Textbook Question

What are the requirements for in vitro synthesis of DNA under the direction of DNA polymerase I?

802

views

Textbook Question

In Kornberg's initial experiments, it was rumored that he grew E. coli in Anheuser-Busch beer vats. (Kornberg was working at Washington University in St. Louis.) Why do you think this might have been helpful to the experiment?

475

views

Textbook Question

Which characteristics of DNA polymerase I raised doubts that its in vivo function is the synthesis of DNA leading to complete replication?

757

views

Textbook Question

DNA polymerase III is the main DNA-synthesizing enzyme in bacteria. Describe how it carries out its role of elongating a strand of DNA.

410

views

Textbook Question

Kornberg showed that nucleotides are added to the 3' end of each growing DNA strand. In what way does an exposed 3'-OH group participate in strand elongation?

790

views

Textbook Question

What was the significance of the polA1 mutation?

808

views

Show more practices

Download the Mobile app

Privacy

Do not sell my personal information

Accessibility

Patent notice

Sitemap