Select the incorrect statement regarding DNA replicationa)Leading str...
Synthesis of DNA by DNA polymerases occurs only in 5' → 3' direction. One strand called leading strand, is copied in the same direction as the unwinding helix. The other strand is known as lagging strand. Replication of lagging strand occurs in a discontinuous way, synthesizing short segments of DNA which are always in the 5' → 3' direction. These short segments are called Okazaki fragments joined together by the action of DNA ligase.
Select the incorrect statement regarding DNA replicationa)Leading str...
Incorrect Statement: DNA polymerase catalyses polymerisation in 3' → 5' direction
Explanation:
DNA replication is the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is duplicated to produce two identical copies of the DNA. It is a vital process in cell division and is carried out by a complex machinery of enzymes and proteins. DNA polymerase is one of the key enzymes involved in DNA replication.
Leading Strand:
- The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' → 3' direction.
- It is synthesized in the same direction as the replication fork is moving, allowing DNA polymerase to continuously add nucleotides in the growing chain.
Okazaki Fragments:
- Okazaki fragments are short, discontinuous segments of DNA that are synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.
- They are formed in the 5' → 3' direction but in a series of short fragments.
- These fragments are later joined together by another enzyme called DNA ligase.
DNA Polymerase:
- DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the polymerization of nucleotides to form a new DNA strand during replication.
- It synthesizes the new DNA strand in the 5' → 3' direction, adding nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing chain.
- The DNA polymerase requires a primer, which provides the initial nucleotide for the polymerization process.
Correct Statement:
- DNA polymerase catalyzes polymerization in the 5' → 3' direction, not in the 3' → 5' direction.
- This means that the new DNA strand is synthesized in the 5' → 3' direction, while the template strand is read in the opposite 3' → 5' direction.
Overall:
- In DNA replication, the leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' → 3' direction, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments called Okazaki fragments, also in the 5' → 3' direction.
- DNA polymerase catalyzes polymerization in the 5' → 3' direction, adding nucleotides to the growing chain.
- The incorrect statement is that DNA polymerase catalyzes polymerization in the 3' → 5' direction, which is not true.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.