Question

Which of the following statements about DNA synthesis is true? View Available Hint(s) Which of the following statements about DNA synthesis is true? Primers are short sequences that allow the initiation of DNA synthesis. DNA polymerase adds dNTP monomers in the 3’ to 5’ direction. As DNA polymerase moves along the template strand, each new nucleotide provides a 5’ hydroxyl group for the next reaction to occur. Nucleotides are added in a random fashion to single-stranded DNA.

Answer 1

Answer:

Primers are short sequences that allow the initiation of DNA synthesis.

Explanation:

DNA polymerases are the enzymes of chain elongation and cannot start the synthesis of new DNA strands. These enzymes can only add new deoxyribonucleotides to the existing DNA or RNA strands in 5' to 3' direction.

Primase enzymes form short stretches of RNA using DNA template strands. These short RNA fragments are called RNA primers. DNA polymerases serve to elongate the primers by adding new deoxyribonucleotides to the 3' end of the primer.

The 3' OH group present at the 3' end of the primer serves as a nucleophile and a phosphodiester bond is formed between 3' end of the primer and the alpha phosphorus of incoming deoxyribonucleotide.