Question

During in vivo DNA replication, a ______ is synthesized by RNA primase and provides a free 3' -OH group for DNA polymerase to attach to and, subsequently, add new nucleotides to the template (parent) DNA strand.

Answer 1

In DNA replication, an RNA primer synthesized by RNA primase provides the necessary 3' -OH group for DNA polymerase to start adding nucleotides.

Step-by-step explanation:

During in vivo DNA replication, an RNA primer is synthesized by RNA primase and provides a free 3' -OH group for DNA polymerase to attach to and, subsequently, add new nucleotides to the template (parent) DNA strand. RNA primase is a type of RNA polymerase that does not need an existing 3' -OH group to start the synthesis of this RNA primer. This primer is essential for DNA polymerases to start the DNA synthesis process, as they can only add nucleotides to an existing 3' -OH group on a nucleic acid chain, extending in the 5' to 3' direction.

Answer 2

RNA primer

Step-by-step explanation:

1. During DNA replication, RNA primer is required for the initiation of replication, because RNA primer provides a free 3'-OH group for DNA polymerase to initiate DNA synthesis.

2. RNA primer is synthesize by RNA primase enzyme.

3. Leading strand of DNA require only one primer at the time of initiation of replication, while lagging strand required many RNA primers at each okazaki fragments.