Question

Which statement about DNA replication is FALSE?
A. The lagging strand is made of a series of fragments that must be joined together to make a continuous strand.
B. DNA polymerase III builds a new strand by adding DNA nucleotides one at a time.
C. DNA ligase adds nucleotides to the lagging strand.
D. The two strands of original or parental DNA are separated during DNA replication.
E. Because the two strands of original or parental DNA run in opposite directions, the new strands must be made in different ways.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. DNA ligase adds nucleotides to the lagging strand

Explanation:

DNA replication is the process during cell division in which DNA copies itself. DNA strands unwind with the help of helicase to initiate the process. DNA Polymerase III is responsible for prokaryotic replication and adds nucleotides in 5' to 3' direction. Since both the strands of DNA run in opposite direction their replication is slightly different. The lagging strand is also formed by DNA Polymerase III in discontinuous manner leading to formation of Okazaki fragments. DNA ligase joins these fragments once the replication process is completed.