During eukaryotic DNA replication, the two strands of the replication fork are synthesized by different DNA polymerases. Which polymerase is primarily responsible for leading strand synthesis?
- A DNA polymerase alpha
- B DNA polymerase delta
- C DNA polymerase epsilon ✓
- D DNA polymerase beta
Correct answer: C. DNA polymerase epsilon
Explanation
DNA polymerase epsilon is the primary leading strand replicase in eukaryotes, while DNA polymerase delta synthesizes the lagging strand. DNA polymerase alpha primase initiates synthesis by laying down a short RNA-DNA primer on both strands. DNA polymerase beta functions in base excision repair, not replication. This division of labor is well established in eukaryotic replication models.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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