Question

The assembly of the β clamp around the DNA requires a multisubunit _______ that is also part of the ________; part of this structure opens the ______ so that it can fit around the DNA.

a. clamp loader, replicon, β clamp
b. clamp loader, replisome, β clamp
c. replisome, clamp loader, replicon
d. β clamp, replisome, clamp loader
e. clamp loader, β clamp, replisome

Answer 1

The correct answer is 'b. clamp loader, replisome, β clamp'. The clamp loader, a part of the replisome, opens the β clamp allowing it to encircle DNA for replication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the student's question is 'b. clamp loader, replisome, β clamp'. The assembly process of the β clamp around DNA involves a necessary component known as the clamp loader. This clamp loader is a multi-subunit entity that is part of the larger replisome complex, which contains various proteins and enzymes for DNA replication.

During DNA replication, the clamp loader is responsible for opening the β clamp so that it can encircle the DNA strand. The β clamp, also known as the sliding clamp, holds the DNA polymerase in place, allowing for high processivity during DNA synthesis. The entire process takes place within the complex cellular machinery designed for accurate and efficient replication of the DNA, ensuring that the genetic material is duplicated correctly ahead of cell division.