Question

Which subunity of DNA polymerase III locks the whole complex onto the DNA strands, prevents the core enzyme from falling off, and increase prcessivity?

Answer 1

The sliding clamp subunit of DNA polymerase III increases processivity by keeping the polymerase attached to the DNA strand.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subunit of DNA polymerase III that locks the whole complex onto the DNA strands, prevents the core enzyme from falling off, and increases processivity is the sliding clamp. This sliding clamp is a ring-shaped protein that binds to the DNA and holds the polymerase stable, allowing for the rapid addition of nucleotides.

As part of the polymerase holoenzyme in prokaryotes, the sliding clamp is crucial for the high processivity of DNA pol III during the replication of DNA.