Answer to Question #260245 in Cell Biology for cloud

Question

if the DNA Polymerase III enzyme were to be able to read the DNA template in both the 3’ to 5’ and the 5’ to 3’ directions, suggest how different the DNA replication process will be?

Answer 1

Since DNA polymerase requires a free 3' OH group for initiation of synthesis, it can synthesize in only one direction by extending the 3' end of the preexisting nucleotide chain. Hence, DNA polymerase moves along the template strand in a 3'-5' direction, and the daughter strand is formed in a 5'-3' direction