Question

Once an ssDNA template has directed synthesis of its complementary DNA strand, what must the DNA polymerase do?

1) Release from the completed dsDNA and the sliding clamp
2) Continue synthesizing the same DNA strand
3) Bind to the primer:template junction
4) Terminate the DNA synthesis process

Answer 1

After the synthesis of its complementary DNA strand, the DNA polymerase must release from the completed dsDNA and the sliding clamp, bind to the primer:template junction, and continue synthesizing the same DNA strand.

Step-by-step explanation:

The DNA polymerase must do several things after the synthesis of its complementary DNA strand:

1. Release from the completed dsDNA and the sliding clamp: Once the synthesis is complete, the DNA polymerase dissociates from the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and the sliding clamp, which is a ring-shaped protein that holds the polymerase in place during synthesis.
2. Bind to the primer:template junction: The DNA polymerase needs to bind to the junction of the primer and the template DNA, where it can start adding nucleotides to extend the DNA strand.
3. Continue synthesizing the same DNA strand: The DNA polymerase continues to add nucleotides to the template strand, extending and completing the synthesis of the same DNA strand.