Final answer:
RNase H removes RNA primers from Okazaki fragments during DNA replication and the space is subsequently filled with DNA nucleotides by DNA polymerase I, before being sealed into a continuous strand by DNA ligase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of RNase H is closely tied to DNA replication, especially in the context of Okazaki fragments. RNase H is responsible for the removal of RNA primers that initiate the synthesis of Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand during DNA replication. These RNA primers are necessary because DNA polymerases can only add nucleotides to an existing strand of nucleic acid. RNase H is an exonuclease enzyme that removes RNA nucleotides from the 5'-end of a nucleic acid strand. It is mainly involved in DNA replication, where it removes RNA primers and replaces them with DNA nucleotides.
Following the elongation of the Okazaki fragments by DNA polymerase, RNase H removes the RNA primer, and the resulting space is filled with DNA nucleotides by DNA polymerase I. Finally, DNA ligase seals the gaps between Okazaki fragments to create one continuous DNA strand. Therefore, the correct function of RNase H is to replace RNA with DNA during DNA replication.