What is the primary function of DNA polymerase compared to RNA polymerase?

• A. DNA polymerase is involved in protein synthesis, while RNA polymerase is involved in lipid synthesis.
• B. DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA, while RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA.
• C. DNA polymerase synthesizes RNA, while RNA polymerase synthesizes DNA.
• D. DNA polymerase is involved in transcription, while RNA polymerase is involved in replication.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase: DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules from deoxyribonucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. RNA polymerase, on the other hand, synthesizes RNA from ribonucleotides, the building blocks of RNA.
2. Recognize the processes each enzyme is involved in: DNA polymerase is primarily involved in DNA replication, where it helps in copying the DNA molecule to ensure that each new cell has the same genetic material. RNA polymerase is involved in transcription, where it synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.
3. Clarify the misconception: DNA polymerase is not involved in protein synthesis directly. Protein synthesis involves transcription (RNA polymerase) and translation (ribosomes and tRNA).
4. Differentiate between the synthesis processes: DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to a growing DNA strand during replication, ensuring the genetic information is accurately copied. RNA polymerase binds to DNA and separates the DNA strands, then uses one strand as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA strand during transcription.
5. Summarize the primary functions: DNA polymerase is responsible for DNA replication, ensuring genetic continuity, while RNA polymerase is responsible for transcribing DNA into RNA, which is a crucial step in gene expression and protein synthesis.