Question

QUESTION 35

You have added a drug that reduces DNA Ligase activity. What will happen to the rate at which Okazaki fragments are joined on the lagging strand? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Okazaki fragments - These fragments are synthesized by DNA polymerase on lagging DNA strand during DNA replication process.

DNA ligase -
• This enzyme binds strands of DNA by forming phosphodiester bond between nucleotides.
• Okazaki fragments are joined with help of DNA ligase enzyme.

Now in question,
After adding drug which reduces DNA ligase activity -
• Rate of okazaki fragments joining will be reduced because the enzyme which is responsible for this joining is deactivated.
• When all DNA ligase enzymes are inhibited then joining of okazaki fragments will be stopped.