Question

DNA polymerases are processive, which means that they remain tightly associated with the template strand while moving rapidly and adding nucleotides to the growing daughter strand. Which piece of the replication machinery accounts for this characteristic?

A) Helicase
B) Sliding clamp
C) Single-strand binding protien
D) Primase

Answer 1

B) Sliding clamp

Step-by-step explanation:

Sliding clamp holds the DNA polymerase and does not allow the enzyme to dissociate from the template strand. For example, beta subunit of E coli DNA polymerase III increases its processivity.

Two donut-shaped structures are formed by four beta subunits. These structures encircle the DNA and serve as a clamp while sliding along the DNA to prevent dissociation of DNA polymerase as the replication proceeds.