Question

Which of the following statements about primers are correct? Select all that apply.

A. They are synthesized by an enzyme called primase

B. They provide a 3-OH group for atachment of DNA nucleotides.

C. They are needed for the start of DNA synthesis.

D. They are synthesized by DNA polymerase α.

Answer 1

All options are correct.

Primer is a short strand of RNA or DNA, which acts as a starting point for DNA synthesis.DNA synthesis is initiated by primers. A primer is synthesized by an enzyme known as primase, which is a type of RNA polymerase, before the process of DNA replication. Primers provide a 3’-OH group do that the DNA nucleotides are attached and start the DNA synthesis process. Primase forms the RNA primer, Pol α starts replication elongating the primer with nucleotides. Polymerase α synthesizes primer for the attachment of triphosphate of nucleotide to the other end .