Question

The following differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells affect chromosome replication EXCEPT: A. Eukaryotic cells have more DNA B. Prokaryotic cells have a circular chromosome C. Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus D. Prokaryotic DNA polymerase cannot initiate synthesis of new DNA strands

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Prokaryotic DNA polymerase cannot initiate synthesis of new DNA strands.

Explanation:

DNA polymerases from both prokaryotes and eukaryotes can not start the process of synthesis of new DNA strand "de novo".  DNA polymerases are the enzymes of elongation of existing RNA or DNA primer only.

This is due to the fact that DNA polymerases from both prokaryotes and eukaryotes add a new nucleotide to the free 3'-OH of the existing strand of RNA or DNA.

So, all the DNA polymerases require a short DNA or RNA strand. This short nucleotide strand is called a primer. Most RNA primers are used by DNA polymerases during the process of DNA replication.