Final answer:
Primase is the enzyme that creates short RNA polymers, known as primers, which are necessary to initiate DNA synthesis. The primer provides a starting point for DNA polymerase to add DNA nucleotides and replicate the genome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme responsible for creating short RNA polymers to initiate DNA synthesis is called primase. Primase synthesizes a short segment of RNA known as a primer, which is necessary to provide a free 3'-OH group for DNA polymerase to begin adding DNA nucleotides and hence, commence the DNA synthesis process. This primer is about five to ten nucleotides long and is complementary to the DNA template strand.
This RNA primer is essential for DNA polymerases because they can only add nucleotides to an existing strand of nucleic acid; they cannot start from scratch. As part of the DNA replication machinery, primase works in coordination with other enzymes to ensure accurate and efficient copying of the genetic material.