During replication of DNA, which one of the following enzymes polymerizes the Okazaki fragments?
**Core Concept**
The process of DNA replication involves the synthesis of new DNA strands from template strands, a process facilitated by various enzymes. **DNA polymerase** plays a crucial role in this process, but the question specifically asks about **Okazaki fragments**, which are short, discontinuous DNA segments formed on the lagging strand during replication.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain. However, when it comes to **Okazaki fragments**, these are synthesized in a discontinuous manner on the lagging strand. The correct enzyme that polymerizes these fragments is indeed **DNA polymerase**, specifically because it can only synthesize DNA in one direction, necessitating the formation of these short segments on the lagging strand.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This choice is incorrect because while it may be involved in other aspects of DNA metabolism, it's not specifically responsible for polymerizing Okazaki fragments.
**Option C:** Similarly, this option does not accurately describe the enzyme responsible for the polymerization of Okazaki fragments during DNA replication.
**Option D:** This choice is also incorrect as it does not correctly identify the enzyme involved in the synthesis of Okazaki fragments.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **DNA ligase** is the enzyme that later seals the gaps between Okazaki fragments, forming a continuous strand. Understanding the roles of different enzymes in DNA replication is crucial for comprehending genetic processes and their implications in disease.
**Correct Answer:** D. DNA polymerase.