DNA Replication: Mechanisms and Enzymes · Zoology

During replication, which of the following provides the energy required for the formation of the phosphodiester bond?

  1. ATP hydrolysis by helicase at the replication fork
  2. Cleavage of pyrophosphate from incoming dNTPs
  3. The sodium ion concentration gradient across the membrane
  4. Heat energy released from the surrounding cytoplasm
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Correct answer: Cleavage of pyrophosphate from incoming dNTPs

Each incoming deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) donates its alpha-phosphate to form the phosphodiester bond. The subsequent hydrolysis of the released pyrophosphate (PPi) by pyrophosphatase drives the reaction forward thermodynamically.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 20

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