Question

You wanted to find out the importance of the DNA polymerases. So, you mutated the polymerases one by one and checked for survival. In which of these mutant cases will you see least survival rate?

(a) Alpha

(b) Beta

(c) Delta

(d) Eta

This question was posed to me during an online exam.

Question is taken from DNA Replication Eukaryotes topic in section DNA Replication of Cytogenetics

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) Alpha

The best I can explain: Alpha has primase activity. Without a primer DNA synthesis can’t initiate thus Alpha polymerase is indispensible. While the beta is mainly needed for repair mechanisms it doesn’t make much difference. However, delta and eta are main polymerases for eukaryotes and their mutation will have major effects as well.