Exploring DNA Replication Processes

DNA replication is the process where an organism's original DNA serves as a template to produce a new complementary strand. The enzyme helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, forming a replication fork. DNA polymerase 3 synthesizes new DNA strands by pairing free nucleotides with complementary bases on the original template. This process is semiconservative, meaning each new DNA molecule contains one original and one new strand.

What is the primary function of helicase in DNA replication?

• To unwind the DNA double helix

• To pair free nucleotides with the template strand

• To proofread the newly synthesized DNA

• To synthesize new DNA strands

Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during replication?

• Ligase

• DNA polymerase 3

• Helicase

• Primase

In which direction does DNA polymerase 3 work on the leading strand?

• Up the strand

• Down the strand

• Both up and down the strand

• Neither up nor down the strand

What does the term 'semiconservative' mean in the context of DNA replication?

• Each new DNA molecule contains two new strands

• Each new DNA molecule contains one original and one new strand

• Each new DNA molecule contains two original strands

• Each new DNA molecule contains a mix of old and new segments

How many strands does each new DNA molecule contain after replication?

• Two original strands

• One mixed strand

• Two new strands

• One original strand and one new strand