/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 20 Explain the proofreading functio... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 20

Explain the proofreading function of DNA polymerase.

Short Answer

Expert verified
DNA polymerase has a proofreading function that ensures the accuracy of DNA replication. It does this by checking each new nucleotide to see if it correctly pairs with its complementary nucleotide on the template strand. If an error is detected, DNA polymerase removes the incorrect nucleotide and replaces it with the correct one, thereby maintaining the integrity of the DNA sequence.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Function of DNA Polymerase

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process of DNA replication. It has the ability to synthesize a new DNA strand from a DNA template. However, the focus of this exercise is on the proofreading function of DNA polymerase.
02

Learn About the Proofreading Capability of DNA Polymerase

The proofreading capability of DNA polymerase is its ability to check and correct any errors made during DNA replication. When DNA polymerase synthesizes a new DNA strand, it also checks the newly formed DNA strand for any errors. Specifically, it checks whether each new nucleotide correctly pair with its complementary nucleotide on the template strand. If an incorrect nucleotide has been incorporated, DNA polymerase possesses the ability to recognize this error.
03

Explain the Corrective Measure

Upon recognizing an error, DNA polymerase corrects the mistake by removing the incorrectly incorporated nucleotide. This is achieved through its exonuclease activity, which enables it to cleave the wrongly incorporated nucleotide. After the incorrect nucleotide has been removed, DNA polymerase resumes its replication activity and inserts the correct nucleotide at the same location.
04

Appreciate the Importance of Proofreading

The proofreading function of DNA polymerase ensures the accuracy of DNA replication, and thus, genetic information is faithfully transmitted from one generation to another. In absence of this proofreading ability, errors during DNA replication would have resulted in mutations, which can lead to serious consequences, such as genetic disorders and cancer.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is an Okazaki fragment? In which strand of replicating DNA are Okazaki fragments found? Based on the properties of DNA polymerase, why is it necessary to make these fragments?

If a eukaryotic chromosome has 25 origins of replication, how many replication forks does it have at the beginning of DNA replication?

Describe the three important functions of DnaA protein.

What is a processive enzyme? Explain why processivity is an important feature of DNA polymerase.

With regard to DNA replication, define the term bidirectional replication. Which of the following statements is not true? Explain why. A. A DNA strand can serve as a template strand on many occasions. B. Following semiconservative DNA replication, one strand is a newly made daughter strand and the other strand is a parental strand. C. A DNA double helix may contain two strands of DNA that were made at the same time. D. A DNA double helix obeys the AT/GC rule. E. A DNA double helix could contain one strand that is 10 generations older than its complementary strand.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Substance Exchange

Read Explanation

Heredity

Read Explanation

Biological Structures

Read Explanation

Microbiology

Read Explanation

Cell Cycle

Read Explanation

Control of Gene Expression

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.