Question

Which enzyme is responsible for adding nucleotides ("The Builder")?

Answer 1

DNA polymerase, specifically DNA pol III in prokaryotes, is responsible for adding nucleotides during DNA replication. It utilizes energy from nucleoside triphosphates to create phosphodiester bonds and has exonuclease activity to correct errors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides during DNA replication is known as DNA polymerase. Specifically, DNA pol III is responsible for the majority of the DNA synthesis in prokaryotes, while DNA pol I plays a supporting role in repair and removal of RNA primers. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides only in the 5'-3' direction and requires nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) like ATP, GTP, TTP, and CTP for energy as well as for the nucleotides themselves.

During this process, when the bond between the phosphates is broken, the energy released allows for the formation of a covalent phosphodiester bond between the incoming nucleotide and the growing DNA chain.

Additionally, DNA pol III has an exonuclease activity that proofreads the newly added nucleotides to ensure fidelity in the replication process. If an incorrect base has been added, it is removed and the correct nucleotide is added in its place. This remarkable enzyme is therefore often referred to as 'The Builder' in the process of DNA replication.

Answer 2

DNA polymerase, especially DNA pol III in prokaryotes, is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides during DNA replication, playing the role of 'The Builder' by forming new strands of DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Enzyme Responsible for Adding Nucleotides During DNA Replication

The process of DNA replication is an essential part of cell division, ensuring that each new cell has a complete set of DNA. A crucial enzyme in this process is DNA polymerase, often referred to as DNA pol. This enzyme is tasked with the addition of nucleotides, making it the main building force behind the formation of new DNA strands.

DNA polymerase operates by adding nucleotides in a 5'-3' direction, which requires energy. This energy is obtained from the triphosphate nucleotides that release energy when their phosphate bonds are broken. This released energy is used to form phosphodiester bonds between the incoming nucleotide and the growing DNA strand.

In prokaryotes, several types of DNA polymerase are involved in DNA replication and repair, but it is primarily DNA pol III that is responsible for the synthesis of new DNA. DNA pol I and DNA pol II assist mainly in repair processes. DNA replication begins at specific sequences called origins of replication, and various proteins and enzymes work together to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the replication process. An enzyme known as helicase is responsible for unwinding the DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases to allow DNA polymerase to add the correct nucleotides.

If DNA polymerase inserts an incorrect nucleotide, it can perform exonuclease activity to remove the incorrect base and replace it with the correct one. This proofreading capability minimizes errors during DNA replication, ensuring the resulting DNA molecules are faithful copies of the original.