NEET2009ZoologyMolecular Basis of InheritanceActual
What is incorrect about the following figure representing DNA replication?
Options
- AThe direction of DNA replication in strand (i).
- BThe direction of DNA replication in strand (ii).
- CDiscontinuous replication of strand (i).
- DDiscontinuous replication of strand (ii).
Correct answer
C. Discontinuous replication of strand (i).
Step-by-step solution
DNA polymerase can polymerize nucleotides only in 5^ 3^ direction on 3^ 5^ strand because it adds them at the 3^ end. Since the two strands of DNA run in antiparallel directions, the two templates provide different ends for replication. Replication over the two templates thus proceeds in opposite directions. One strand with polarity 3^ 5^ forms its complementary strand continuously because 3^ end of the latter is open for elongation. It is called leading strand. Replication is discontinuous on the other template wi