Question

The ___ controls association of core enzyme with DNA

The core on the leading strand is processive because its β-clamp keeps it on the DNA.

Tau= the connector of the two monomers

Answer 1

The sliding clamp controls the association of core enzyme with DNA. DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, while topoisomerase prevents DNA over-winding.

Step-by-step explanation:

In DNA replication, the sliding clamp is responsible for the association of core enzyme with DNA, particularly in maintaining the DNA polymerase's processivity on the leading strand. It achieves this by encircling the DNA and keeping the polymerase enzyme affixed as it synthesizes new nucleotide chains. This is critical as the leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5'-3' direction, moving toward the replication fork.

In contrast, the lagging strand, synthesized in the 3' to 5' direction, requires multiple primers to create short Okazaki fragments. These fragments are later joined by the enzyme DNA ligase, which forms phosphodiester linkages between the DNA pieces. The enzyme topoisomerase also plays an essential role in preventing the over-winding of the DNA helix ahead of the replication fork by making temporary cuts and resealing the DNA.