Mechanisms of DNA Polymerase During Replication

Very Hard Biochemistry Nucleic Acids And Dna Replication

The mechanisms of DNA replication are crucial for cellular proliferation and genetic inheritance. A key enzyme involved in this process is DNA polymerase, which is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a growing chain according to the template strand. DNA replication follows specific directionalities, with one strand being synthesized continuously and the other in a fragmented manner, creating Okazaki fragments. Recent studies have also revealed that various accessory proteins play significant roles in stabilizing the replication fork and preventing premature termination of replication. Furthermore, modern research has examined how different inhibitors can affect the activity of DNA polymerase.

Which of the following statements about DNA polymerase and its mechanism of action during DNA replication is correct?

DNA polymerase can initiate synthesis of new DNA strands without a primer.

DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA in a 3' to 5' direction, creating new strands.

DNA polymerase requires a primer to initiate synthesis and adds nucleotides in a 5' to 3' direction.

DNA polymerase can synthesize both DNA strands at the same time without assistance from other proteins.

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