DNA Replication Proofreading Concepts

This video tutorial explains the process of DNA replication, focusing on the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase. It describes how DNA polymerase corrects errors during replication by removing incorrect nucleotides and adding the correct ones. The tutorial also discusses the balance between polymerization and exonucleolysis, highlighting the importance of proofreading in preventing mutations and ensuring accurate DNA synthesis.

What is the primary function of DNA polymerase during replication?

• To degrade proteins

• To replicate DNA strands

• To synthesize lipids

• To synthesize RNA strands

How does the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase compare to a proofreader in printing?

• Both work at a constant speed

• Both delete entire sections

• Both add new information

• Both correct errors to ensure accuracy

What happens when DNA polymerase incorporates an incorrect nucleotide?

• The polymerase speeds up

• The DNA strand is immediately discarded

• The error is ignored

• The polymerase slows down and corrects the error

Why does DNA polymerase slow down when a wrong nucleotide is added?

• To increase the rate of polymerization

• To prevent further errors

• To allow exonucleolytic activity to catch up

• To stop the replication process

What is the result of the race between polymerization and exonucleolytic activity?

• The balance determines the accuracy of DNA replication

• Exonucleolytic activity always wins

• Polymerization always wins

• Neither affects DNA replication

What is the consequence of errors during DNA replication?

• They have no effect

• They lead to accurate protein synthesis

• They can cause mutations

• They speed up the replication process

How does proofreading prevent mutations?

• By changing the DNA sequence

• By stopping replication

• By removing incorrect nucleotides

• By adding more nucleotides

What analogy is used to describe the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase?

• A typewriter

• A printer

• A delete key on a keyboard

• A magnifying glass

What happens if DNA polymerase fails to correct an error?

• The error is automatically corrected by other enzymes

• The DNA strand is discarded

• The error is passed on to future generations

• The error is beneficial

Why is proofreading crucial for DNA replication?

• It speeds up the replication process

• It ensures the accuracy of genetic information

• It increases the number of mutations

• It prevents DNA synthesis