192k views
2 votes
Why is there a problem replicating the ends of linear dna?

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:

Replicating the ends of a linear DNA molecule is difficult because THE PRIMER THAT IS USED FOR LAGGING STRAND SYNTHESIS CAN NOT BE REPLACED; THIS IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO 3 PRIME HYDROXYL END WHERE THE REPLACEMENT STRAND WILL BE ADDED.

Step-by-step explanation:

DNA replication is a semi conservative process in which each strand in the double helix molecule acts as a template for the production of a new strand. The enzymes involved in DNA replication are polymerase, primase, helicase, ligase and topoisomerase. It is not possible for DNA replication to occur without template, this is because replication occurs in 5 prime to 3 prime direction, this means that new nucleotide are added to the 3 prime end of the primer, which is in turn base paired to the DNA template. Linear DNA molecules do not have the 3 prime end, so synthesis at that end can not be achieved.

User Gromo
by
7.4k points