In the context of an overview of DNA replication, the function of DNA polymerase is to catalyze which process?

• A. The sealing of nicks between adjacent DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds after primer removal
• B. The synthesis of short RNA primers required to initiate DNA synthesis
• C. The unwinding of the parental DNA double helix at the replication fork by breaking hydrogen bonds
• D. The addition of deoxyribonucleotides to the 3′ end of a growing DNA strand (DNA synthesis in the 5′→3′ direction) using a template strand

Answer: (D)