Quick DNA replication Q help!

[BiomajorPreDent]

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Ok I came across this question and I think its a typo

Which of the following statements about DNA polymerase is incorrect?

A-It forms the bonds between complementary base pairs

B-It is able to proofread and correct for errors in base pairing

C-It is unable to initiate synthesis; it requires an RNA primer

D-It only works in the 5' -> 3' direction

E-It is found in eukaryotes and prokaryotes

I know for a fact that B,C,D,and E are true so its not them..and I am almost positive that A is true also..

From wiki:

" The double-stranded structure of DNA provides a simple mechanism for DNA replication. Here, the two strands are separated and then each strand's complementary DNA sequence is recreated by an enzyme called DNA polymerase. This enzyme makes the complementary strand by finding the correct base through complementary base pairing, and bonding it onto the original strand. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA#Polymerases

The book says that the answer is A though..and I dont see how..

 

[nze82]

Ok I came across this question and I think its a typo

Which of the following statements about DNA polymerase is incorrect?

A-It forms the bonds between complementary base pairs

B-It is able to proofread and correct for errors in base pairing

C-It is unable to initiate synthesis; it requires an RNA primer

D-It only works in the 5' -> 3' direction

E-It is found in eukaryotes and prokaryotes

I know for a fact that B,C,D,and E are true so its not them..and I am almost positive that A is true also..

From wiki:

" The double-stranded structure of DNA provides a simple mechanism for DNA replication. Here, the two strands are separated and then each strand's complementary DNA sequence is recreated by an enzyme called DNA polymerase. This enzyme makes the complementary strand by finding the correct base through complementary base pairing, and bonding it onto the original strand. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA#Polymerases

The book says that the answer is A though..and I dont see how..

What you mean how?
It doesn't form any bonds and that's how it is. The bonds between bases are hydrogen bonds, and they don't required DNA polymerase to be established. Do you need DNA polymerase to establish hydrogen bonds between water molecules? No!

 

[jh311]

be sure to read the questions very carefully.... A is incorrect because DNA polymerase which won't form bonds between complimentary bases, but as already stated it H bonding.

 

[BiomajorPreDent]

I am trying to visualize this in my head...DNA polymerase adds the matching base pair to the template right?

So if theres an A, it adds a T..but what you guys are saying is, that the hydrogen bonds that form, have nothing to do with the DNA polymerase, they just form once the bases are next to each other?

Do I have that right?

 

[nze82]

I am trying to visualize this in my head...DNA polymerase adds the matching base pair to the template right?

So if theres an A, it adds a T..but what you guys are saying is, that the hydrogen bonds that form, have nothing to do with the DNA polymerase, they just form once the bases are next to each other?

Do I have that right?

Yes!
Think of the polymerase as machine that "knows" how to match the proper base pairs. After the base pairs are matched, however, the polymerase has nothing to do with establishment of the H-bonds between them. Due to the proper size and orientation, the proper atoms will be located in the proper proximity, allowing hydrogen bonds to be established on their own.

 

[BiomajorPreDent]

ok great, that makes everything make sense

thanks a bunch

 

[Shinpe]

Technically, the only bond that DNA polymerase catalyzes its formation is the phosphodiester bond. You can't really catalyze formation of hydrogen-bonds, it's either there, or not there.