Question

The DNA polymerases in the relatively large family of polymerases that are specialized for incorporating nucleotides opposite various types of DNA lesions in the template strand engage in a type of DNA synthesis called __________. They have an uncanny ability to ____________.

a. translesion synthesis, unwind DNA double helices
b. translesion synthesis, incorporate the nucleotide that would have paired with the undamaged version of the template base
c. transdimensional synthesis, incorporate the nucleotide that would have paired with the undamaged version of the template base
d. transdimensional synthesis, unwind DNA synthesis
e. transliteral synthesis, incorporate the nucleotide that would have paired with the undamaged version of the template base

Answer 1

The DNA polymerases in question participate in translesion synthesis and can accurately incorporate nucleotides opposite DNA lesions, choosing the correct pair for the undamaged template base. The correct answer is b. translesion synthesis, incorporate the nucleotide that would have paired with the undamaged version of the template base.

Step-by-step explanation:

The DNA polymerases that specialize in incorporating nucleotides opposite various DNA lesions are engaged in a type of DNA synthesis known as translesion synthesis. These enzymes possess the remarkable ability to incorporate the nucleotide that would have paired with the undamaged version of the template base. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is b. translesion synthesis, incorporate the nucleotide that would have paired with the undamaged version of the template base.

During DNA replication, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides one by one to a growing DNA chain that is complementary to the template strand. While DNA polymerase is known for its ability to proofread and correct mistakes through mismatch repair, it can sometimes make errors that require other methods of DNA repair, such as nucleotide excision repair, to handle larger problems like thymine dimers.

Translesion synthesis is crucial because it allows replication to continue past a DNA lesion, preventing further damage and potential mutations. It is a bypass mechanism that permits DNA synthesis despite the presence of damaged DNA, with the goal of maintaining genetic fidelity and cellular function.