Question

If a cell lacked DNA ligase activity, explain which steps in DNA replication would be disrupted and why?

Answer 1

The function of DNA ligase is to join the nick between two okazaki fragments produced in the lagging strand during the replication of DNA during the S phase of the cell cycle.

As the joining of the little DNA fragments are done in the ELONGATION phase of replication hence the ELONGATION phase would be disturbed. And finally whole process of replication would be diturbed.

If the ligase activity is disrupted the replication will not be done properly and the little fragments of DNA produced would be lost which may cause mutations.