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Which enzyme is most directly responsible for the main process of producing a new DNA strand? a. DNA pol I b. DNA pol II c. DNA pol III d. DNA pol I, DNA pol II, and DNA pol III

Short Answer

Expert verified
DNA pol III

Step by step solution

01

– Understand the Role of Each Enzyme

Firstly, identify the roles of DNA polymerase enzymes. DNA polymerase I is involved mainly in DNA repair and removing RNA primers. DNA polymerase II also plays a role in DNA repair mechanisms. DNA polymerase III is primarily responsible for the synthesis of the new DNA strand during replication.
02

– Analyze the Main Process

The main process in question is the synthesis of a new DNA strand. During DNA replication, the enzyme tasked with synthesizing the new strand by adding nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction is crucial.
03

– Match the Correct Enzyme

Match the enzyme most directly responsible for the synthesis of the new DNA strand. Given that DNA polymerase III is responsible for the elongation of the new DNA strand during replication, it is the correct choice.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

DNA polymerase III
DNA polymerase III is a key enzyme in DNA replication. Its main job is to add nucleotides to the new DNA strand, making it longer one base at a time. This process happens at an incredibly high speed, ensuring that the DNA replication is quick and efficient. Unlike other DNA polymerases, DNA polymerase III is specialized for accuracy and speed. It has a proofreading ability to correct mistakes during replication. If an incorrect nucleotide is added, the enzyme can remove it and replace it with the correct one. This prevents mutations and ensures the integrity of the genetic information being copied.
DNA strand synthesis
DNA strand synthesis is a critical part of the overall DNA replication process. During DNA replication, the double helix unwinds, creating two template strands. Each template serves as a guide for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. DNA polymerase III attaches to the original strand and begins to add complementary nucleotides. For example, if the original strand has a cytosine (C), DNA polymerase III will add a guanine (G) to the new strand. This new strand is built in the 5' to 3' direction. This means the enzyme can only add new nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing strand. This directional synthesis is a defining characteristic of DNA replication.
DNA replication process
DNA replication is the method by which a cell duplicates its DNA before it divides. The process starts at specific locations on the DNA molecule called origins of replication. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
  • The DNA double helix unwinds, and the two strands separate.
  • Each strand serves as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand.
  • Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer that provides a starting point for DNA polymerase III.
  • DNA polymerase III then adds nucleotides to the RNA primer, extending the new DNA strand.
  • On one template strand, DNA synthesis proceeds continuously in the direction of the replication fork (leading strand synthesis). On the other strand, it is discontinuous, forming short fragments called Okazaki fragments (lagging strand synthesis).
  • Later, other enzymes like DNA polymerase I replace the RNA primers with DNA nucleotides, and DNA ligase seals any gaps between the fragments.
By the end of replication, two identical DNA molecules are formed. This ensures that each new cell will have an exact copy of the DNA. The coordination of all these steps ensures that DNA replication is highly accurate and efficient.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Discuss how mutations can increase variation within a population. a. Substitution mutations may cause a different amino acid to be placed at a specific location, causing small changes in the protein. Frame shift mutations usually cause multiple amino acid changes, increasing chances that a new protein will form, leading to radically different characteristics in the offspring. b. Substitution mutations may cause multiple amino acid changes, increasing chances that a new protein will form, leading to radically different characteristics in the offspring. Frame shift mutations may cause a different amino acid to be placed at a specific location, causing small changes in a protein. c. Substitution mutations may cause a different amino acid to be placed at a specific location, resulting in major changes to the protein and leading to radically different characteristics in the offspring. Frame shift mutations cause multiple amino acid differences in a protein, leading to small changes in the protein. d. Substitution mutations result in a different amino acid being placed at a specific position in a protein, causing small changes. Silent mutations could result in new characteristics possessed by an offspring when a stop codon is substituted for an amino acid.

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