Final answer:
DNA polymerase contains a 3' to 5' exonuclease activity for proofreading. Its ability to detect tautomers is not explicitly part of the exonuclease function, but tautomeric shifts resulting in mismatches might be corrected during proofreading.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA polymerase contains a 3' to 5' exonuclease activity, which provides it with a proofreading function to correct errors during DNA replication. When an incorrect base is inserted, the DNA polymerase utilizes its 3' to 5' exonuclease activity to remove the incorrect nucleotide.
This proofreading ability helps ensure high fidelity in the replication process. However, regarding the detection of tautomers, the DNA polymerase’s ability to sense these base modifications is not typically specified as part of its exonuclease function.
Tautomeric shifts can lead to mismatched base pairing during replication, which could potentially be corrected during the proofreading process if detected as an error.