The proofreading ability of DNA polymerase is a crucial aspect of maintaining the accuracy of DNA replication. DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the growing chain, following the template provided by the original DNA strand.The proofreading ability of DNA polymerase contributes to maintaining the accuracy of DNA replication in the following ways:1. Detection of mismatched base pairs: As DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, it continuously checks whether the newly added base is complementary to the template strand. If a mismatched base pair is detected, the enzyme temporarily halts the replication process.2. Exonuclease activity: DNA polymerase has a built-in exonuclease activity that allows it to remove the incorrect nucleotide from the newly synthesized DNA strand. This exonuclease activity acts as an "eraser" to correct any mistakes made during replication.3. Resumption of replication: Once the incorrect nucleotide has been removed, DNA polymerase resumes the replication process by adding the correct nucleotide that is complementary to the template strand. This ensures that the newly synthesized DNA strand is an accurate copy of the original template.When the proofreading process of DNA polymerase fails, it can lead to several consequences:1. Accumulation of mutations: If the incorrect nucleotide is not detected and removed, it becomes a permanent part of the newly synthesized DNA strand. This results in a mutation, which can be passed on to the daughter cells during cell division.2. Genetic disorders and diseases: Some mutations can lead to genetic disorders or increase the risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.3. Reduced cellular function: Mutations can also affect the function of proteins encoded by the mutated genes, leading to reduced cellular function or even cell death.In summary, the proofreading ability of DNA polymerase is essential for maintaining the accuracy of DNA replication. It detects and corrects errors during replication, ensuring that the genetic information is accurately passed on to the daughter cells. When this proofreading process fails, it can lead to the accumulation of mutations, which may result in genetic disorders, diseases, or reduced cellular function.