In which of the following actions does RNA polymerase differ from DNA polymerase?
A)RNA polymerase uses RNA as a template, and DNA polymerase uses a DNA template.
B)RNA polymerase binds to single-stranded DNA, and DNA polymerase binds to double-stranded DNA.
C)RNA polymerase is much more accurate than DNA polymerase.
D)RNA polymerase can initiate RNA synthesis, but DNA polymerase requires a primer to initiate DNA synthesis.
E)RNA polymerase does not need to separate the two strands of DNA in order to synthesize an RNA copy, whereas DNA polymerase must unwind the double helix before it can replicate the DNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase can initiate RNA synthesis without a primer, while DNA polymerase requires a primer to initiate DNA synthesis. This is because RNA polymerase can start the synthesis on the template strand without the need for a free 3' OH group, whereas DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to an existing strand with a free 3' OH group.

In Which of the Following Actions Does RNA Polymerase Differ