During normal DNA replication, part of the sequence at the ends of linear chromosomes is not copied into the new DNA strands because ____.
A) DNA ligase cannot join pieces at the end of a chromosome
B) RNA primers at the beginning of a new strand cannot be replaced with DNA
C) those ends are Okazaki fragments that are lost
D) cells do not need the DNA at the ends of chromosomes
E) the ends of chromosomes are made of protein, not DNA

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During DNA replication, RNA primers are used to initiate the synthesis of DNA strands. At the ends of linear chromosomes, these primers are removed, but the DNA polymerase cannot replace them with DNA because there is no upstream primer for it to extend from. This results in the gradual shortening of chromosomes with each cell division.

During Normal DNA Replication, Part of the Sequence at the Ends