Final answer:
DNA replication, while highly accurate, is safeguarded against errors by the proofreading function of DNA polymerase III, which detects and corrects mismatched nucleotides, thus maintaining genetic stability and preventing mutations.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA replication is a highly accurate process, but it is not entirely error-free. The enzyme DNA polymerase III possesses a proofreading function that significantly decreases errors during replication. During replication, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
If an incorrect nucleotide is inserted, DNA polymerase III detects this mistake and uses its 3' exonuclease activity to remove the incorrect nucleotide before it adds the next one. After the removal, the correct nucleotide can be inserted in place of the wrong one.
Though the error rate of DNA replication is quite low, with as few as one error per 107 nucleotides, these proofreading mechanisms are vital for maintaining genetic stability and preventing mutations that can lead to conditions like cancer.