What is the function of enzyme DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Question

What is the function of enzyme DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

1. Unzipping the strand
2. Adding nucleotides to the 3’ end of the strand
3. Removing Okazaki fragments from the strand
4. Repairing damaged to the genetic code

Answer 1

I would have to say that the choice would be analogous with the definition of a DNA polymerase which catalyzes the synthesis of new DNA by adding nucleotides to a preexisting chain, I believe that's #2.

Answer 2

What is the function of enzyme DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

DNA polymerase adds complementary nucleotides to the growing DNA strands. There are two types of DNA polymerase that are the most important to know about -- DNA polymerase III and DNA polymerase I. DNA polymerase III is the enzyme that adds new nucleotides to the leading and lagging strands. DNA polymerase I replaces the RNA primers with DNA nucleotides.

Both DNA polymerase enzymes can only "see" 3' ends. They are "blind" to 5' ends.

1. Unzipping the strand - this is the job of helicase.
2. Adding nucleotides to the 3’ end of the strand - this is the job of DNA polymerases III and I, so this is the correct answer.
3. Removing Okazaki fragments from the strand - no enzyme really performs this job, although ligase links Okazaki fragments together. (Try to remember that the "L" in ligase stands for "L" in linking).
4. Repairing damaged to the genetic code - there are several enzymes that perform this job, including DNA polymerase, ligase, and several others.