During DNA replication, the 'Leading Strand' is synthesized in which manner?
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Correct answer: Continuously in the 5' to 3' direction
DNA polymerases can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing strand. Since the leading strand template runs 3' to 5' toward the fork, the new strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction.
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More DNA Replication: Mechanisms and Enzymes questions
- What is the function of Single-Strand Binding Proteins (SSBs) during the replication process?
- Which enzyme relieves the torsional strain and supercoiling created ahead of the replication fork?
- DNA Polymerase III requires a free 3'-OH group to begin synthesis. Which enzyme provides this by creating a short RNA sequence?
- The discontinuous segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand are known as:
- In prokaryotes, which enzyme removes the RNA primers and replaces them with DNA nucleotides?
- Which enzyme acts as the 'glue' to join the sugar-phosphate backbones of DNA fragments, such as Okazaki fragments?