In what direction can a DNA polymerase work when catalyzing the addition of nucleotide monomers to build a strand of DNA?
Correct answer: A. From the 5' toward the 3' end of the new strand being assembled
- A. From the 5' toward the 3' end of the new strand being assembled
- B. From the replication centers in two directions called replication forks
- C. From the 3' to the 5' end of the strand being assembled
- D. In both directions if DNA ligase is present
Explanation
DNA polymerase can only add new nucleotides at the 3' end. The process of replication is 5' to 3' at the end of the growing strand. DNA replication takes place at a Y-shaped structure called a replication fork. A self-correcting DNA polymerase enzyme catalyzes nucleotide polymerization in a 5′-to-3′ direction, copying a DNA template strand with remarkable fidelity.
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About Chromosomes
Chromosomes are DNA-protein structures that carry genes and become visible during cell division. Coverage includes chromatin, centromeres, sister chromatids, homologous chromosomes, chromosome number, and the distinction between diploid and haploid cells, with links to DNA replication, mitosis and meiosis.
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