Final answer:
The sequence of the newly synthesized DNA strand during replication is determined by the template strand's nucleotide sequence. DNA polymerase synthesizes the new strand by adding complementary nucleotides, with the process initiated by an RNA primer synthesized by primase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nucleotide sequence of the newly synthesized strand during DNA replication is determined by the nucleotide sequence of the template strand. In this process, enzymes such as DNA polymerase play a crucial role. DNA polymerase identifies each base on the template strand and pairs it with a complementary free nucleotide. Subsequently, the enzyme catalyzes the formation of an ester bond between the 5' phosphate group of the incoming nucleotide and the 3' hydroxyl end of the new DNA chain, thus ensuring the replication of genetic information accurately.
In order to start the synthesis of the new strand, an RNA primer is required because DNA polymerases cannot initiate the synthesis on their own. This primer is synthesized by an enzyme called primase. After the primer is laid down, the DNA polymerase can extend this RNA primer by adding DNA nucleotides that are complementary to the template strand. As DNA replication proceeds, the RNA primers are replaced with DNA, and the gaps between new DNA fragments, known as Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, are sealed by another enzyme, DNA ligase.