In DNA replication, what is the primary function of RNA primase?

• A. It joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand by sealing nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone.
• B. It unwinds the DNA double helix ahead of the replication fork by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs.
• C. It synthesizes short RNA primers that provide a free $3\prime OH$ group for DNA polymerase to begin DNA synthesis.
• D. It proofreads newly synthesized DNA and removes mismatched nucleotides using exonuclease activity.

Answer: (C)