Question

Can DNA polymerase initiate replication on its own?

Answer 1

Replication:

1. The process of copying a double-stranded DNA molecule to produce two identical DNA molecules is known as replication.
2. It occurs in all living organisms.

DNA polymerase:

1. DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA by the replication process.
2. They add deoxyribonucleotides via polymerization to the 3’-OH group of growing DNA strands, thus growing in 5’-3’ direction.
3. DNA polymerase cannot start the replication process without primer as it adds nucleotides.
4. The replication requires a primer, helicase, SSBPs (single-stranded binding proteins) and DNA polymerase to start it.
5. The primer helps in providing a starting point for DNA synthesis, and then DNA polymerase starts adding the nucleotides.
6. Helicases help in the unwinding of DNA in the presence of ATPs.
7. SSBPs help in keeping the DNA strands separated and makes each strand serve as a template for replication to occur.
8. Topoisomerases remove supercoils in the DNA and help in the progress of the replication fork.