Q. Consider the following statements. (A) DNA polymerase initiates replication at ori in 5’ → 3’ direction only. (B) DNA ligase helps to join the Okazaki fragments formed on template with polarity 5’ → 3’. Select the correct option.
A) A is true, B is false
B) A is false, B is true
C) Both A and B are false.
D) Both A and B are true.
Explanation
DNA polymerase polymerizes the nucleotides in one direction only in 5’ → 3’. Therefore, continuous replication occurs on template strand with polarity 3’ → 5’ while discontinuous replication occurs on template with polarity 5’ → 3’. The fragments formed on lagging or discontinuous strands are joined by DNA ligase enzyme.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.