True or False: DNA mutation is greatly reduced by enzymes that proofread newly replicated DNA.

DNA mutation is indeed greatly reduced by enzymes that proofread newly replicated DNA, so the statement is true. During DNA replication, proofreading occurs primarily through the action of DNA polymerases, which possess exonuclease activity. This means they can detect and remove incorrectly paired nucleotides that have just been incorporated into the growing DNA strand. By excising these mismatches and replacing them with the correct nucleotides, these enzymes significantly enhance the fidelity of DNA replication.

Although mutations can still occur due to other factors such as environmental influences or errors that escape proofreading, the proofreading process plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the genetic material. This process is essential not just in prokaryotes but also in eukaryotes, safeguarding against a wide variety of potential mutations that could arise during cell division.