Question

Select the incorrect statement about dNTPs.

• A. These serve as energy sources for polymerisation reactions
• B. These serve as substrates for DNA polymerase
• C. These act as enzymes to catalyze the DNA replication process
• D. Both a and b are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is C These act as enzymes to catalyze the DNA replication process

dNTPs, or deoxyribonucleotides are the molecules that after losing two phosphate groups, undergo polymerization to form the long chain of DNA. The process is catalysed by the enzyme DNA polymerase. Hence, dNTPs act as substrates for the enzyme DNA polymerase that adds them to the 3’OH end of an existing chain. During the process of polymerization, the dNTPs lose two phosphate groups in the form of pyrophosphates This serves as an energy source for polymerisation reaction. Hence, the dNTPs have a dual role in the process of polymerisation of the daughter strand during replication of parental strands of DNA.