DNA Polymerase: Key Player in DNA Replication

What is the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

1. It synthesizes new DNA strands during replication.

2. It proofreads and corrects errors in the newly synthesized DNA.

Answer:

DNA polymerase plays a crucial role in DNA replication by synthesizing new DNA strands and also proofreading and correcting errors in the newly synthesized DNA.

DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during replication. It functions by adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand based on the complementary base pairing rules. DNA polymerase ensures accurate replication of the genetic material by matching each nucleotide with its correct partner (A-T and G-C).

In addition to its role in DNA synthesis, DNA polymerase also performs proofreading functions to maintain the integrity of the DNA. This proofreading activity involves detecting and correcting errors that may occur during replication. DNA polymerase can recognize mispaired nucleotides and remove them, replacing them with the correct nucleotides.

By combining the tasks of DNA synthesis and proofreading, DNA polymerase ensures that faithful copies of the genetic information are produced during each round of replication. This process is essential for maintaining genetic stability and passing accurate genetic information to the next generation of cells.