At the DNA replication fork, what occurs?

At the DNA replication fork, what occurs?

• A. RNA is translated into protein
• B. DNA elongates and new strands grow
• C. Chromosomes condense
• D. DNA breaks apart

Answer: (B)

DNA replication at the fork is all about building new DNA. Here, the two strands are separated and the enzyme DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to extend new strands, so the amount of DNA increases as replication proceeds. The leading strand is synthesized continuously toward the fork, while the lagging strand is made in short segments that are later joined, but in both cases new DNA is being formed and the fork moves forward as replication continues. Translation of RNA into protein happens at ribosomes, not at the replication fork. Chromosome condensation occurs during mitosis, not during DNA replication, and DNA breaks are not a normal, routine part of fork progression.

DNA replication at the fork is all about building new DNA. Here, the two strands are separated and the enzyme DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to extend new strands, so the amount of DNA increases as replication proceeds. The leading strand is synthesized continuously toward the fork, while the lagging strand is made in short segments that are later joined, but in both cases new DNA is being formed and the fork moves forward as replication continues. Translation of RNA into protein happens at ribosomes, not at the replication fork. Chromosome condensation occurs during mitosis, not during DNA replication, and DNA breaks are not a normal, routine part of fork progression.