Dna Replication
Hardbiology
Which enzyme adds RNA primers during eukaryotic DNA replication?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
DNA polymerase α primase complex
- Requirement: DNA polymerases cannot initiate DNA synthesis on their own; they require a short sequence of RNA (a primer) to provide a 3'-OH end.
- In Eukaryotes: A specialized complex called DNA polymerase α (pol α) - primase is responsible.
- Mechanism: The primase subunit starts the process by synthesizing a short RNA primer (≈10 nucleotides), which is then slightly extended with DNA by the pol α subunit.
- Others:
- DNA pol III: The main replicative enzyme in prokaryotes.
- Ligase: Joins Okazaki fragments.
- Topoisomerase: Relieves torsional stress ahead of the replication fork.
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About This Question
- Subject
- biology
- Chapter
- genetics and evolution
- Topic
- dna replication
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
DNA polymerase α primase complex
- Requirement: DNA polymerases cannot initiate DNA synthesis on their own; they require a short sequence of RNA (a primer) to provide a 3'-OH end.
- In Eukaryotes: A specialized complex called DNA polymerase α (pol α) - primase is responsible.
- Mechanism: The primase subunit starts the process by synthesizing a short RNA primer (≈10 nucleotides), which is then slightly extended with DNA by the pol α subunit.
- Others:
- DNA pol III: The main replicative enzyme in prokaryotes.
- Ligase: Joins Okazaki fragments.
- Topoisomerase: Relieves torsional stress ahead of the replication fork.
This hard difficulty biology question is from the chapter genetics and evolution, covering the topic of dna replication. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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