DNA polymerase requires a 3' OH group provided by a primer before it can begin DNA synthesis.How is it that the primer can be synthesized on the DNA without a 3' OH group?
A)The primer is RNA-synthesized by RNA polymerase,which does not require a 3' OH group.
B)These primers require an even shorter primer sequence.
C)The primer uses an artificial 3' OH group provided by a unique enzyme.
D) Primers use a 5' OH group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primer is synthesized by RNA polymerase, which can add nucleotides to the 3' end of the RNA molecule without the need for a 3' OH group. The RNA primer is then later converted to DNA by DNA polymerase, which can add nucleotides to the 3' end of the DNA molecule using the RNA primer as a starting point.

DNA Polymerase Requires a 3' OH Group Provided by a Primer