Final answer:
The removal of RNA primers during DNA replication leaves a gap in the DNA, which is filled by DNA polymerase that then adds DNA nucleotides to the strand, creating a primer:template junction. DNA ligase later seals these segments into a continuous DNA strand.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question revolves around a key aspect of DNA replication, which is a fundamental process in biology. During DNA replication, an enzyme called RNA primase synthesizes an RNA primer that is complementary to the template DNA strand.
This provides a free 3'-OH group, which is necessary for DNA polymerase to begin synthesis of the new DNA strand. However, this RNA primer must later be removed because DNA molecules consist of DNA nucleotides, not RNA.
DNA polymerase I is responsible for removing the RNA primers from the DNA strands. Once the RNA primers are removed, they leave behind gaps in the double-stranded DNA.
It's the job of DNA polymerase to fill these gaps with the correct DNA nucleotides, and then DNA ligase seals the newly added DNA nucleotides with the rest of the DNA strand, creating a continuous double helix.
In summary, removal of the RNA primer indeed leaves an ideal substrate for DNA polymerase; this enzyme then adds the correct DNA nucleotides creating a primer:template junction before DNA ligase permanently joins the newly synthesized DNA segments together.