Homework Help is Here – Start Your Trial Now!
Science
Biology
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,...
See similar textbooks
icon
Related questions
Question
**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.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

SEE SOLUTIONCheck out a sample Q&A here
Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Virus
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780134580999
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
Biology 2e
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781259398629
Author:
McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:
Mcgraw Hill Education,
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9780815344322
Author:
Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781260159363
Author:
Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:
9781260231700
Author:
Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:
McGraw Hill Education
SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS