Which enzyme is responsible for joining individual nucleotides to produce a new strand of DNA during DNA replication?

• A. DNA polymerase
• B. DNA ligase
• C. RNA polymerase
• D. Helicase

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division. It involves several enzymes, each with a specific role.
2. Identify the role of each enzyme listed in the options: DNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing a new strand of DNA by adding nucleotides to the growing chain. DNA ligase joins fragments of DNA together, such as Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand. RNA polymerase is involved in transcription, not replication. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix to allow replication to occur.
3. Focus on the specific task mentioned in the problem: The problem asks for the enzyme responsible for joining individual nucleotides to produce a new strand of DNA during replication. This task is directly associated with DNA polymerase.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: RNA polymerase is involved in transcription, not replication, so it can be ruled out. Helicase unwinds the DNA but does not synthesize the new strand, so it is not the correct answer. DNA ligase joins DNA fragments but does not add nucleotides to produce a new strand, so it is also incorrect.
5. Conclude that DNA polymerase is the correct enzyme: DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding individual nucleotides to produce a new strand of DNA during replication.