Final answer:
DNA polymerases cannot initiate DNA synthesis without a primer; this is the one activity not associated with them. They require an RNA primer made by RNA primase to start the replication process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question inquires about the activity not associated with DNA polymerases. DNA polymerases are enzymes that synthesize DNA molecules from deoxyribonucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA. These enzymes are essential for DNA replication and generally work by adding nucleotides to the 3' end of a newly forming DNA strand that is complementary to a DNA template strand.
Activities associated with DNA polymerases include:
- Reading a template strand and incorporating appropriate nucleotides into the growing strand.
- Synthesis of the new strand in the 5' to 3' direction.
- Proofreading, where the polymerase checks the newly added bases and applies its 3' to 5' exonuclease activity to correct mistakes.
The activity not associated with DNA polymerases is the ability to initiate DNA synthesis from scratch without a primer. DNA polymerases require a primer with a free 3'-OH group to which they can add nucleotides. In contrast, RNA primase is the enzyme that synthesizes the RNA primer that initiates DNA synthesis.