In what way does RNA polymerase differ from DNA polymerase?
A) RNA polymerase does not require a primer, unlike DNA polymerase.
B) DNA polymerase does not require a primer, unlike RNA polymerase.
C) DNA polymerase is processive, RNA polymerase is not.
D) RNA polymerase is processive, DNA polymerase is not.
E) RNA polymerase and DNA polymerase differ only in the type of nucleic acid polymer they synthesize.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase does not require a primer, whereas DNA polymerase requires a primer to initiate polymerization. This is due to the fact that RNA polymerase is capable of initiating de novo synthesis of RNA using one strand of DNA as a template, whereas DNA polymerase can only extend an existing strand of DNA.

In What Way Does RNA Polymerase Differ from DNA Polymerase