Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart2h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

DNA Repair

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

DNA Repair

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Multiple Choice

Researchers found a strain of E. coli bacteria that had mutation rates one hundred times higher than normal. Which of the following statements correctly describes the most likely cause of these mutations?

The single-stranded binding proteins were malfunctioning during DNA replication.

There were one or more mutations in the RNA primer.

The proofreading mechanism of DNA polymerase was malfunctioning.

The DNA polymerase was unable to add bases to the 3′ end of the growing DNA strand.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication. DNA polymerase is responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand and has a proofreading function to correct errors.

Recognize that a malfunction in the proofreading mechanism of DNA polymerase can lead to increased mutation rates. Normally, DNA polymerase checks and corrects mismatched bases during replication.

Consider the impact of a malfunctioning proofreading mechanism. Without proper proofreading, errors in base pairing are not corrected, leading to a higher mutation rate.

Evaluate the other options provided. Single-stranded binding proteins stabilize the unwound DNA, RNA primers initiate DNA synthesis, and the inability to add bases to the 3' end would halt replication, not increase mutation rates.

Conclude that the most likely cause of the increased mutation rate is the malfunctioning proofreading mechanism of DNA polymerase, as it directly affects the accuracy of DNA replication.