Final answer:
DNA primase requires a DNA template and ribonucleotides to initiate primer synthesis. Primase synthesizes an RNA primer that provides a starting point for DNA replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA primase requires a DNA template and ribonucleotides to initiate primer synthesis.
Primase is an enzyme involved in DNA replication that synthesizes a short segment of RNA called a primer. The primer provides a free 3'-OH end to which DNA polymerase can add DNA nucleotides. The nucleotides in the primer are ribonucleotides, which are the building blocks of RNA.
In DNA replication, primase synthesizes an RNA primer that is complementary to the template strand of DNA. This RNA primer serves as a starting point for DNA polymerase to add DNA nucleotides and extend the DNA strand. The primer is eventually replaced with DNA nucleotides during replication.