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

17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination

DNA Repair

Genetics

17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination

DNA Repair

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2:49 minutes

Problem 13d

Textbook Question

Answer the following questions concerning the accuracy of DNA polymerase during replication.
Identify two mechanisms that can correct the kind of abnormality resulting from the circumstances identified in part (c).

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of DNA polymerase in replication: DNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand. It has a proofreading ability to ensure accuracy during replication.

Learn about the proofreading mechanism: DNA polymerase has 3' to 5' exonuclease activity, which allows it to remove incorrectly paired nucleotides immediately after they are added. This mechanism significantly reduces the error rate during replication.

Explore mismatch repair: If an error escapes the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase, mismatch repair enzymes can identify and correct mismatched base pairs. These enzymes recognize distortions in the DNA helix caused by mismatches, excise the incorrect segment, and replace it with the correct sequence.

Understand the role of post-replication repair: In cases where errors persist after replication, post-replication repair mechanisms, such as homologous recombination, can resolve abnormalities by using the undamaged sister chromatid as a template to repair the DNA.

Review the importance of these mechanisms: Both proofreading by DNA polymerase and mismatch repair are essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing mutations that could lead to diseases such as cancer.

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Key Concepts

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

DNA Polymerase Function

DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during replication. It adds nucleotides to a growing DNA chain by matching them with the template strand. While it has a high fidelity rate, errors can occur, necessitating correction mechanisms to maintain genetic integrity.

Proofreading Mechanism

Proofreading is a critical function of DNA polymerase that allows it to detect and correct mismatched nucleotides during DNA synthesis. This process involves the enzyme's 3' to 5' exonuclease activity, which removes incorrectly paired nucleotides, ensuring that the newly synthesized DNA is accurate.

Mismatch Repair System

The mismatch repair system is a post-replication repair mechanism that identifies and corrects errors that escape the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase. This system involves several proteins that recognize mismatches, excise the erroneous segment, and fill in the correct nucleotides, thereby preserving genomic stability.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following repair pathways uses a methylated strand of DNA to correct DNA damage?

True or False:Translesion DNA synthesis is the first mechanism the cell uses to repair DNA damage?

Which of the following pathways is an error-free way to repair double-stranded breaks?

Write a short essay contrasting how these concepts may differ between bacteria and eukaryotes.

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Textbook Question

Answer the following questions concerning the accuracy of DNA polymerase during replication.

If a DNA replication error is detected by DNA polymerase, how is it corrected?

366

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Textbook Question

Answer the following questions concerning the accuracy of DNA polymerase during replication.

DNA mismatch repair can accurately distinguish between the template strand and the newly replicated strand of a DNA duplex. What characteristic of DNA strands is used to make this distinction?

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Textbook Question

Answer the following questions concerning the accuracy of DNA polymerase during replication.

If the kind of abnormality identified in part (c) is not corrected before the next DNA replication cycle, what kind of mutation occurs?

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Textbook Question

Answer the following questions concerning the accuracy of DNA polymerase during replication.

If a replication error escapes detection and correction, what kind of abnormality is most likely to exist at the site of the replication error?

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Answer the following questions concerning the accuracy of DNA polymerase during replication.Identify two mechanisms that can correct the kind of abnormality resulting from the circumstances identified in part (c).

Key Concepts

DNA Polymerase Function

Proofreading Mechanism

Mismatch Repair System

Watch next

Answer the following questions concerning the accuracy of DNA polymerase during replication.
Identify two mechanisms that can correct the kind of abnormality resulting from the circumstances identified in part (c).