Question

The synthesis of a new strand begins with the synthesis of a(n) _____.

A) short pieces of DNA
B) RNA primer complementary to a preexisting DNA strand
C) Okazaki fragment
D) poly(A) tail
E) single-strand binding protein

Answer 1

The synthesis of a new strand begins with the synthesis of an RNA primer complementary to a preexisting DNA strand. Okazaki fragments are formed during the synthesis process and are later sealed by DNA ligase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The synthesis of a new strand begins with the synthesis of a RNA primer complementary to a preexisting DNA strand. This primer provides the starting point for DNA polymerase to add new nucleotides. The RNA primer is later replaced with DNA nucleotides, and the gaps between the synthesized DNA fragments, known as Okazaki fragments, are sealed by DNA ligase.