The proofreading of newly synthesized DNA by DNA Pol III occurs in the ________.
A) 5' to 3' direction
B) 3' to 5' direction
C) Both directions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DNA Pol III proofreading occurs in the 3' to 5' direction, also known as the exonuclease proofreading activity. This allows for the removal of any incorrectly paired nucleotides from the growing DNA strand. The 5' to 3' direction refers to the direction of DNA synthesis, which is the opposite direction of proofreading. Choice C is incorrect because while DNA Pol III can move in both directions, its proofreading activity occurs only in the 3' to 5' direction.

The Proofreading of Newly Synthesized DNA by DNA Pol III