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DNA polymerase checks for mutations during DNA replication through its proofreading activity. As it synthesizes new DNA strands, it continuously monitors base pairing between the template strand and newly added nucleotides. If an incorrect nucleotide is incorporated, the enzyme detects the mismatch, removes the erroneous nucleotide using its exonuclease activity, and replaces it with the correct one. This ensures a high fidelity of DNA replication and helps maintain genetic stability.

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What cell cause mutations?

DNA polymerase


How does mutations occur during DNA replication and transcription?

During DNA replication, mutations can occur due to errors made by DNA polymerase when copying the DNA template. These errors can result in base substitutions, insertions, or deletions in the new DNA strand. During transcription, mutations can occur if RNA polymerase inserts the wrong nucleotide into the messenger RNA (mRNA) strand, leading to incorrect genetic information being transcribed from the DNA template.


What is a limitation of DNA polymerase?

A key limitation of DNA polymerase is that it can only add nucleotides to an existing strand of DNA; it cannot initiate the synthesis of a new strand from scratch. This means that a primer, typically made of RNA, must be present for DNA polymerase to start DNA synthesis. Additionally, DNA polymerase has a proofreading function, but it can still make errors during replication, leading to potential mutations.


When in the replication process is DNA most vulnerable to mutations?

DNA is most vulnerable to mutations during the replication process, specifically during the DNA synthesis stage when mistakes can be made by the DNA polymerase enzyme. Mutations can also occur during exposure to external factors such as radiation or chemicals that can damage the DNA.


What happens to DNA polymerase if the protein is not present?

Without DNA polymerase, DNA replication cannot occur effectively, leading to incomplete or inaccurate copying of the DNA template. This can lead to mutations, genetic disorders, and cell death. The absence of DNA polymerase can disrupt the cell cycle and ultimately impair cell function and viability.

Related Questions

What cell cause mutations?

DNA polymerase


How does polymerase prevent mutations?

It checks DNA for errors during replication.


What could happen if DNA polymerase matches the wrong DNA bases during replication?

If DNA polymerase matches the wrong DNA bases during replication, it can lead to mutations in the new DNA strand. Mutations can cause genetic disorders, diseases, or changes in an organism's traits.


How does mutations occur during DNA replication and transcription?

During DNA replication, mutations can occur due to errors made by DNA polymerase when copying the DNA template. These errors can result in base substitutions, insertions, or deletions in the new DNA strand. During transcription, mutations can occur if RNA polymerase inserts the wrong nucleotide into the messenger RNA (mRNA) strand, leading to incorrect genetic information being transcribed from the DNA template.


What is a limitation of DNA polymerase?

A key limitation of DNA polymerase is that it can only add nucleotides to an existing strand of DNA; it cannot initiate the synthesis of a new strand from scratch. This means that a primer, typically made of RNA, must be present for DNA polymerase to start DNA synthesis. Additionally, DNA polymerase has a proofreading function, but it can still make errors during replication, leading to potential mutations.


When in the replication process is DNA most vulnerable to mutations?

DNA is most vulnerable to mutations during the replication process, specifically during the DNA synthesis stage when mistakes can be made by the DNA polymerase enzyme. Mutations can also occur during exposure to external factors such as radiation or chemicals that can damage the DNA.


What happens to DNA polymerase if the protein is not present?

Without DNA polymerase, DNA replication cannot occur effectively, leading to incomplete or inaccurate copying of the DNA template. This can lead to mutations, genetic disorders, and cell death. The absence of DNA polymerase can disrupt the cell cycle and ultimately impair cell function and viability.


How are mutations prevented during DNA replication?

DNA polymerase checks DNA for errors.DNA polymerase checks DNA for errors by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the paired nitrogen bases in the DNA molecule. This causes the molecule to separate into two individual strands.


What chemical is an enzyme that add nucleotides to a new strand of DNA during replication?

DNA Polymerase is the enzyme which adds new nucleotides during replication.


Is the enzyme that allows replication to occur DNA polymerase or RNA polymerase?

DNA polymerase replicated DNA. RNA polymerase creates mRNA to be used in protein synthesis. RNA polymerase does not replicated DNA.


Repair of damaged DNA might be viewed as a race between an endonuclease and?

a DNA polymerase. The endonuclease recognizes and cleaves the damaged DNA, creating a site for repair. The DNA polymerase then fills in the gap with the correct nucleotides, restoring the integrity of the DNA molecule. This race determines whether the DNA is successfully repaired or if mutations will persist in the repaired sequence.


Can Mutations can spontaneously occur during DNA replication?

Yes, mutations can spontaneously occur during DNA replication due to errors in DNA polymerase, exposure to mutagens, or other factors that can introduce changes in the DNA sequence. These mutations can result in changes to an individual's genetic material, which may lead to genetic disorders, disease, or potentially even evolution.