In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary role of DNA polymerase?

• A. It synthesizes a new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the 3′ end of a primer using the template strand for base pairing.
• B. It seals breaks in the sugar-phosphate backbone by forming phosphodiester bonds between Okazaki fragments.
• C. It unwinds the parental DNA double helix ahead of the replication fork.
• D. It lays down short RNA primers to initiate DNA synthesis on the leading and lagging strands.

Answer: (A)