Question

DNA polymerases are capable of editing and error correction, whereas the capacity for error correction in RNA polymerases appears to be quite limited. Approximately one error occurs in every 104 to 105 nucleotide incorporated in RNA. Given that a single base error in either replication or transcription can lead to an error in the protein coded by the gene or mRNA. Please suggest a possible explanation for this striking difference.

Answer 1

Explanation:

DNA polymerase replicates the DNA supplied to all new cells produced while RNA polymerase drives DNA copy RNA synthesis. Unless corrected, error in DNA replication could result in the transmission of the error DNA to all next-generation cells.

Protein synthesis error will cause faulty copies of RNA and degraded proteins. To order to ensure the transfer of key genetic information to future generations of cells, failure to DNA replication must be corrected.