Question 1

Which direction does DNA polymerase synthesize new DNA strands?

Accepted Answer

From 5' to 3'

Question 2

What is the role of primase during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

It adds RNA primers to provide a starting point for DNA polymerase

Question 3

In prokaryotes, which DNA polymerase is primarily responsible for elongating new DNA strands?

Accepted Answer

DNA Polymerase III

Question 4

If the template DNA strand has the sequence 5'-AATGCTAC-3', what is the complementary sequence?

Accepted Answer

3'-TTACGATG-5'

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for DNA polymerase activity?

Accepted Answer

A ribosome

Question 6

What is the function of the RNA primer in DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

It provides a free 3' OH group for DNA polymerase to begin synthesis

Question 7

After the RNA primer is used during DNA replication, what happens to it?

Accepted Answer

It is converted to DNA and replaced

Question 8

Why can DNA polymerase only add nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing DNA strand?

Accepted Answer

Because the enzyme's active site only accommodates the 3' OH group

Question 9

Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing the RNA primer during DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Primase

Question 10

During DNA replication, what would happen if primase was nonfunctional?

Accepted Answer

No new DNA strands would be synthesized because there would be no primers

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the template strand and the newly synthesized DNA strand?

Accepted Answer

They are complementary and antiparallel

Question 12

What is the chemical reaction catalyzed by DNA polymerase during DNA synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Formation of phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides

Question 13

Which equation represents the addition of a nucleotide to a growing DNA strand?

Accepted Answer

$$(dNTP) + (DNA_{n}) \rightarrow (DNA_{n+1}) + PP_i$$

Question 14

Which of the following statements about DNA polymerase is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It requires a template and a primer to synthesize DNA

Question 15

A mutation prevents the removal of RNA primers during DNA replication. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The newly synthesized DNA will contain segments of RNA

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why DNA polymerase cannot synthesize DNA in the 3' to 5' direction?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme's active site only accommodates the 3' OH group for nucleophilic attack

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of errors in DNA polymerase activity?

Accepted Answer

Genetic mutations that can lead to diseases such as cancer

Question 18

During DNA replication, which strand is synthesized continuously?

Accepted Answer

The leading strand

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible reason why multiple types of DNA polymerases exist in organisms?

Accepted Answer

To perform specialized functions such as repair and replication

Question 20

A scientist is studying a new drug that inhibits primase. What effect would this drug have on DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

It would prevent the formation of RNA primers, halting DNA synthesis

DNA Polymerases: Structure, Function, and Mechanism

Study Guide - Practice Questions