In DNA replication, a sliding DNA clamp
A) increases the number of nucleotides that can be polymerized at one time.
B) holds open the two strands of the DNA molecule for access to the bonds.
C) slides forward, separating additional strands of the DNA molecule.
D) temporarily holds the nucleotides together until phosphodiester bonds can form.
E) unwinds the double helix to allow DNA polymerase to bind.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A sliding DNA clamp increases the processivity of DNA polymerase, enabling it to catalyze the addition of many nucleotides to a growing DNA strand without dissociating from the template strand. Thus, it increases the number of nucleotides that can be polymerized at one time.

In DNA Replication, a Sliding DNA Clamp