DNA replication Original Scenario-Based Download PDF

Questions

1. 1.

   In an experimental bio-foundry, synthetic biologists engineer an artificial replisome to copy genetic data tapes composed of duplex DNA. The reaction vessel contains template DNA, abundant dNTPs, active DNA helicase, single-strand binding proteins, and DNA polymerase, yet nucleotide polymerization fails to initiate entirely despite successful unwinding. Which enzyme must be introduced to supply the essential free 3'-hydroxyl group required for DNA polymerase to commence synthesis?

   • A) Primase, to synthesize short complementary RNA primers
   • B) Topoisomerase, to alleviate torsional strain ahead of the replication fork
   • C) DNA polymerase I, to excise ribonucleotide sequences from the template
   • D) Telomerase, to synthesize repetitive terminal caps on the unwound strands