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

• A. It joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand by forming phosphodiester bonds between fragments.
• B. It lays down short RNA primers to provide a free 3′-OH for DNA synthesis to begin.
• C. It synthesizes a new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the 3′ end using the template strand as a guide.
• D. It unwinds the DNA double helix at the replication fork by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs.

Answer: (C)