Question

Why don't cells need ATP to replicate their DNA?

     A) DNA replication uses GTP as an energy source instead, as in translation

     B) DNA replication uses glucose directly as an energy source

     C) dNTPs used to make DNA already contain 3 phosphates whose energy can be harvested

     D) The question is mistaken; the cell uses large amounts of ATP to replicate DNA

Answer 1

DNA replication is the process by which cells duplicate their genetic material (DNA) before the cell divides. This process requires several enzymes and accessory proteins, and certain steps require input of energy in the form of ATP.

For example, helicase enzyme needs ATP to break the hydrogen bonds that hold together two DNA strands, i.e. to unzip DNA and expose the single strands if DNA.

Thus, the correct choice should be :

D) The question is mistaken; the cell uses large amounts of ATP to replicate DNA.