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Chapter 11: Problem 21

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
A processive enzyme, like DNA polymerase, is one that can perform rounds of catalysis without releasing its substrate. The processivity in DNA polymerase enables it to copy long strands of DNA accurately and quickly, which is crucial for the speed and fidelity of DNA replication.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of a Processive Enzyme

A 'processive' enzyme is one that can perform many rounds of catalysis without releasing its substrate. In the example given, DNA polymerase is able to add many nucleotides to a growing DNA chain without dissociating from the DNA template. It's like a train on a track, not leaving its path until it reaches its destination.
02

Understanding DNA polymerase

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that helps in creating new DNA molecules by copying the necessary information from existing DNA strands. It can hold onto the DNA template and add several nucleotides before detaching. This ability is what makes DNA polymerase processive.
03

Relevance of Processivity in DNA Polymerase

Processivity in DNA Polymerase is a critical feature as it allows the enzyme to quickly and accurately copy long pieces of DNA. It ensures that replication can occur swiftly and correctly. If DNA polymerase were not processive, it could dissociate after the addition of each nucleotide, drastically slowing down the speed of DNA replication and potentially leading to more errors.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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

Draw a picture that illustrates how DNA helicase works.

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?

C1. What key structural features of the DNA molecule underlie its ability to be faithfully replicated?
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