Ligase plays a major role in:
a. Replication of lagging strands
b. mRNA processing in eukaryotes
c. Polypeptide synthesis by ribosomes
d. RNA transcription

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Understand the function of DNA ligase: DNA ligase is an enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands together by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds.

Recall the process of DNA replication, especially the synthesis of the lagging strand, which is made in short fragments called Okazaki fragments.

Recognize that DNA ligase's primary role is to join these Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand to create a continuous DNA strand.

Evaluate the other options: mRNA processing involves splicing and modification enzymes, polypeptide synthesis involves ribosomes and tRNA, and RNA transcription involves RNA polymerase, none of which require ligase.

Conclude that ligase plays a major role specifically in the replication of lagging strands during DNA replication.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Role of DNA Ligase in DNA Replication

DNA ligase is an enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand during DNA replication. It catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent DNA fragments, ensuring the continuity of the newly synthesized strand.

Lagging Strand Synthesis

The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short segments called Okazaki fragments. These fragments require joining by DNA ligase to form a complete, continuous strand complementary to the leading strand.

Distinction Between DNA Replication and Other Processes

Processes like mRNA processing, polypeptide synthesis, and RNA transcription involve different enzymes and mechanisms. DNA ligase specifically functions in DNA replication, not in RNA transcription or protein synthesis.

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