Molecular biology: practice question

A Biochemistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Biochemistry · Molecular biology

Sample item

What is the main function of DNA polymerase during replication?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Add nucleotides to synthesize a complementary DNA strand

DNA polymerase synthesizes a new strand by adding complementary nucleotides to a primer in the 5-prime to 3-prime direction.

Option by option

  • A. Join Okazaki fragments only

    Ligase seals fragments after synthesis.

  • B. Cut introns from RNA

    Splicing removes introns from precursor RNA.

  • C. Unwind DNA at the replication fork

    Helicase primarily unwinds the double helix.

  • D. Add nucleotides to synthesize a complementary DNA strand (correct)

    Correct: polymerase extends the new DNA strand.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Biochemistry questions

Questions about this Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is D, Add nucleotides to synthesize a complementary DNA strand. DNA polymerase synthesizes a new strand by adding complementary nucleotides to a primer in the 5-prime to 3-prime direction.

Why is "Join Okazaki fragments only" not the answer?

Ligase seals fragments after synthesis.

Why is "Cut introns from RNA" not the answer?

Splicing removes introns from precursor RNA.

Why is "Unwind DNA at the replication fork" not the answer?

Helicase primarily unwinds the double helix.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Molecular biology in Biochemistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: polymerase extends the new DNA strand.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Molecular biology?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.