During DNA replication, how is the leading strand synthesized?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Continuously, in the 5' to 3' direction toward the replication fork
- Step 1: DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to a 3' end, so it builds 5' to 3'. Step 2. The leading strand follows the fork and is made in one piece. Answer: continuously toward the fork. Why not the others: short fragments describe the lagging strand, and no polymerase builds 3' to 5'.
Practise more Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) mock tests.
More Biochemistry and Molecular Biology questions
- Which amino acid has no stereocenter and is therefore achiral?
- Which enzyme catalyzes the rate-limiting step of glycolysis?
- A competitive inhibitor is added to an enzyme reaction. How are the apparent Km and Vmax affected?
- A noncompetitive inhibitor is added to an enzyme reaction. How are the apparent Km and Vmax affected?
- What is the net yield of ATP from the glycolysis of one glucose molecule?
- Where in the cell does the electron transport chain operate in eukaryotes?