How is replication specificity dictated?
A) Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding must occur.
B) Enzyme interactions with the DNA act as a "ruler" to determine whether the properly spaced base pair has been formed.
C) The bond is broken and reformed to ensure its accurate placement at each base pair.
D) A and B.
E) A, B, and C.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Replication specificity is dictated by the accurate placement of complementary nucleotides during DNA replication. This accuracy is achieved through Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding between the complementary nucleotides (A-T and G-C) and the interactions between enzymes involved in DNA replication, such as DNA polymerase, which acts as a "ruler" to determine whether the properly spaced base pair has been formed. In addition, the bond between the nucleotide and the growing DNA strand is broken and reformed, ensuring the accurate placement of each base pair. Thus, both A and B contribute to replication specificity, while C describes a mechanism of replication accuracy. Therefore, the best choice is D, which includes both A and B.

How Is Replication Specificity Dictated