Imagine that a cell contains a genetic mutation in the gene encoding the primase enzyme, rendering it unable to synthesize RNA strands. Assuming that all of the other enzymes directly involved in DNA replication are still functional in these cells, how much of the DNA replication process would you expect to see in these cells?
A) The leading strand would be synthesized, but not the lagging strand.
B) No part of the DNA replication process could occur.
C) The DNA helix would be unwound by helicase, but no new strands will be produced.
D) Both the leading and lagging strand would be synthesized, but pieces of discontinuous strands would not be joined together.
E) DNA replication would still proceed completely since RNA strands are not part of the final product of DNA replication.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without primase, RNA primers cannot be synthesized, preventing DNA polymerase from initiating DNA synthesis, so the DNA helix can be unwound, but no new strands will be produced.

Imagine That a Cell Contains a Genetic Mutation in the Gene