Question

If a DNA polymerase were discovered that was able to synthesize DNA without the requirement of a free 3'hydroxyl group, which feature of DNA replication would be least likely to be needed?

Answer 1

The discovery of a DNA polymerase that does not require a free 3' hydroxyl group would render the synthesis of an RNA primer, and consequently the use of primase, unnecessary in DNA replication.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a DNA polymerase were discovered that could synthesize DNA without the requirement of a free 3' hydroxyl group, the feature of DNA replication that would be least likely to be needed is the synthesis of an RNA primer by primase. Normally, DNA polymerase needs this primer because it can add nucleotides only to an existing 3' OH group provided by the primer. During DNA replication, a primer is required to provide the necessary 3'OH group for DNA polymerase to add nucleotides and extend the DNA strand. The primer is typically made of RNA and is synthesized by the enzyme primase. Therefore, without the need for a 3' OH, the primase enzyme and the RNA primer synthesis process would be unnecessary.