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Explain why DNA replication requires RNA primers. What do they do and why do they have to be removed?

Explain why DNA replication requires RNA primers. What do they do and why do they have to be removed?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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**Question 1A** *Explain why DNA replication requires RNA primers. What do they do and why do they have to be removed?* --- **Explanation for Educational Context:** In DNA replication, RNA primers are crucial because DNA polymerases, the enzymes responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands, cannot initiate synthesis on their own. They can only add nucleotides to an existing strand of nucleic acid. RNA primers, synthesized by an enzyme called primase, provide the starting point (or 3'-OH group) to which DNA polymerases can attach DNA nucleotides. Once the primer has fulfilled its role of initiating DNA synthesis, it must be removed to ensure the continuity and integrity of the replicated DNA strand. DNA polymerase later replaces these RNA primers with DNA nucleotides, and another enzyme, DNA ligase, seals any remaining nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone to produce a continuous DNA strand.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 1A** *Explain why DNA replication requires RNA primers. What do they do and why do they have to be removed?* --- **Explanation for Educational Context:** In DNA replication, RNA primers are crucial because DNA polymerases, the enzymes responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands, cannot initiate synthesis on their own. They can only add nucleotides to an existing strand of nucleic acid. RNA primers, synthesized by an enzyme called primase, provide the starting point (or 3'-OH group) to which DNA polymerases can attach DNA nucleotides. Once the primer has fulfilled its role of initiating DNA synthesis, it must be removed to ensure the continuity and integrity of the replicated DNA strand. DNA polymerase later replaces these RNA primers with DNA nucleotides, and another enzyme, DNA ligase, seals any remaining nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone to produce a continuous DNA strand.
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