Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how DNA is stored for short-term usage within a eukaryotic cell?
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17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination
DNA Repair
Multiple Choice
Refer to the figure. Which structure is responsible for stabilizing DNA in its single-stranded form?
A
Helicase
B
Single-strand binding proteins (SSBs)
C
DNA polymerase
D
DNA ligase
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context: During DNA replication, the double helix is unwound to expose single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) templates.
Identify the role of helicase: Helicase is the enzyme that unwinds the DNA helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs, creating ssDNA regions.
Recognize the problem with ssDNA: Single-stranded DNA is unstable and prone to forming secondary structures or being degraded.
Learn the function of Single-Strand Binding Proteins (SSBs): SSBs bind to the exposed ssDNA to stabilize it, preventing it from re-annealing or forming secondary structures.
Distinguish other enzymes: DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands, and DNA ligase joins DNA fragments; neither stabilizes ssDNA directly.
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