Multiple Choice
In DNA replication, what is the primary role of primase?
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8. DNA Replication
Overview of DNA Replication
Multiple Choice
In the context of DNA replication, what is DNA polymerase?
A
A protein that joins Okazaki fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds between them
B
An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix at the replication fork
C
A short RNA molecule that provides the initial end needed to start DNA synthesis
D
An enzyme that synthesizes a new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the end of a primer using a DNA template
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication: DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.
Recall that DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3\' end of an existing strand, which means it requires a primer with a free 3\' hydroxyl group to begin synthesis.
Differentiate DNA polymerase from other enzymes involved in replication, such as helicase (which unwinds the DNA helix) and ligase (which joins Okazaki fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds).
Recognize that the primer needed for DNA polymerase activity is typically a short RNA molecule synthesized by primase, providing the initial 3\' end for extension.
Summarize that DNA polymerase's main function is to extend the DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the 3\' end of the primer, using the original DNA strand as a template.
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