Question

Which prokaryotic DNA polymerase resembles the eukaryotic DNA polymerase δ and which structural feature do the two polymerases have in common?

a. DNA polymerase I, sliding clamp
b. DNA polymerase II, sliding clamp
c. DNA polymerase III, sliding clamp
d. DNA polymerase III, rolling active site
e. DNA polymerase II, rolling active site

Answer 1

DNA polymerase III is the prokaryotic enzyme that resembles eukaryotic DNA polymerase δ, both having the sliding clamp as a common structural feature ensuring the enzyme's stability on the DNA strand during replication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The prokaryotic DNA polymerase that resembles eukaryotic DNA polymerase δ is DNA polymerase III. This resemblance is due to the structural feature they have in common, which is the sliding clamp. The sliding clamp is crucial because it holds the DNA polymerase in place during replication ensuring it does not dissociate from the DNA strand. Specifically, in eukaryotes, DNA polymerase δ works in association with a protein called proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which is functionally analogous to the sliding clamp in prokaryotes.

Therefore, the correct option that answers which prokaryotic DNA polymerase resembles the eukaryotic DNA polymerase δ and which structural feature they have in common is "c. DNA polymerase III, sliding clamp."