Answer the following questions concerning the accuracy of DNA polymerase during replication.

If a replication error escapes detection and correction, what kind of abnormality is most likely to exist at the site of replication error?

Verified step by step guidance

1. <span>Identify the role of DNA polymerase in replication: DNA polymerase is responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand and has proofreading abilities to correct errors.</span>
2. <span>Understand the types of replication errors: Common errors include mismatched base pairs, where an incorrect nucleotide is incorporated into the new DNA strand.</span>
3. <span>Consider the consequences of an undetected error: If a mismatched base pair is not corrected, it can lead to a point mutation, which is a change in a single nucleotide base pair.</span>
4. <span>Explore the types of point mutations: These can be silent (no change in protein), missense (change in one amino acid), or nonsense (introduces a stop codon).</span>
5. <span>Conclude the most likely abnormality: The most likely abnormality at the site of an uncorrected replication error is a point mutation, potentially leading to a missense or nonsense mutation.</span>

Key Concepts

DNA Polymerase Function

DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand during DNA replication. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of DNA replication by proofreading newly synthesized DNA and correcting errors. However, if an error escapes this proofreading process, it can lead to mutations in the DNA sequence.

Replication Errors

Replication errors occur when DNA polymerase incorporates incorrect nucleotides into the growing DNA strand. These errors can arise from various factors, including chemical damage to DNA, mispairing of bases, or the inherent limitations of the polymerase enzyme. If not corrected, these errors can result in permanent changes to the genetic code, potentially leading to abnormal protein function or disease.

Types of Mutations

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can arise from replication errors. The most common types include point mutations, which involve a single nucleotide change, and insertions or deletions, which can alter the reading frame of the genetic code. If a replication error is not corrected, it can lead to these mutations, which may have varying effects on the organism, from benign to harmful.