Final answer:
DNA polymerase catalyzes the synthesis of new DNA by forming phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides and requires divalent metal ions for this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kind of chemical reaction catalyzed by DNA polymerase is the synthesis of new DNA strands by forming phosphodiester bonds. DNA polymerases require a template strand to synthesize a complementary strand and perform successive condensation reactions, adding to the 3' end of the growing DNA chain. The synthesis is energetically favorable and involves the use of divalent metal ions, typically Mg2+, to facilitate this process. DNA polymerases can only add nucleotides to a pre-existing 3'-OH group, hence a primer is necessary to initiate DNA synthesis.