Question

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

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a
RNA polymerase does not need a primer to begin synthesis
b
Primase does not need a primer to begin synthesis
c
DNA polymerase requires a primer to begin synthesis
d
RNA is copied from an UNLIMITED region of DNA
e
Both RNA and DNA polymerases create covalent phosphodiester bonds

Answer 1

The statement that is FALSE is cDNA polymerase requires a primer to begin synthesis. RNA polymerase does not require a primer, as it can grow a new nucleic acid strand against a DNA template from scratch.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is FALSE is: cDNA polymerase requires a primer to begin synthesis.

RNA polymerases (enzymes that catalyze RNA synthesis) are the only nucleotide polymerase that can grow a new nucleic acid strand against a DNA template from scratch, without the need for a primer. Primase, a special RNA polymerase active during replication, synthesizes RNA primers against DNA templates. DNA polymerase then adds new deoxynucleotides to the RNA primer to extend the DNA strand.

Therefore, DNA polymerase requires a primer, while RNA polymerase does not.