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DNA polymerase III is an enzyme that adds nucleotides to the 3' end of each growing DNA strand.

A) True
B) False

User BlackM
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

DNA polymerase III adds nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing DNA strand during DNA replication, which is true. It requires a primer with a free 3'-OH group and uses energy from nucleotide triphosphates to add new nucleotides in accordance with the template strand.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that DNA polymerase III is an enzyme that adds nucleotides to the 3' end of each growing DNA strand is True. DNA polymerase III is a critical enzyme in the process of DNA replication, particularly in prokaryotes. It adds deoxyribonucleotides to the 3'-OH group of the growing DNA chain, complementary to the DNA template strand.

This process requires energy, which is released when the bond between the phosphates in the nucleotide triphosphates is broken. During elongation, DNA polymerase III synthesizes a new strand base by base and is responsible for the majority of DNA synthesis. It can only add nucleotides to the free 3'-OH group of a pre-existing DNA or RNA primer, since it is unable to initiate synthesis of a new strand on its own.

User Lightalchemist
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