What is the role of primase in the replication of DNA?

• A. Primase unwinds the DNA double helix to allow replication.
• B. Primase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
• C. Primase repairs mismatched bases during DNA replication.
• D. Primase synthesizes RNA primers needed to start DNA synthesis.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA, creating two identical copies. This process is essential for cell division.
2. Identify the role of primase: Primase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in DNA replication. It is responsible for synthesizing short RNA sequences called primers.
3. Explain the function of RNA primers: RNA primers are necessary because DNA polymerases, the enzymes that synthesize new DNA strands, cannot initiate synthesis on their own. They require a primer to start adding nucleotides.
4. Describe how primase works: Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer complementary to the DNA template strand. This primer provides a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin DNA synthesis.
5. Clarify the importance of primase: Without primase, DNA polymerase would not be able to start the synthesis of the new DNA strand, making primase essential for the replication process.