Question

Which of the following statements is correct? (Points : 2)

       DNA polymerase requires a primer to get started.
       RNA polymerase requires a primer to get started.
       Both DNA and RNA polymerase require primers to get started.
       Both DNA and RNA polymerase can start synthesis de novo

Answer 1

Ans.DNA polymerase requires a primer to get started.

Primer is short nucleic acid sequence. DNA polymerase cannot initiate the polymerization process without primer. primase is the enzyme that can synthesize primer. once the primase synthesizes the primer DNA can initiate the replication process. DNA polymerase can only initiate the polymerization process from the existing strand. primer provides a free 3'-OH group to which polymerase adds nucleotides and extends the chain. Primer is removed before the process get complete from the strands and DNA polymerase synthesize new strand where the gaps are created in the removal of Primer. DNA polymerase is Primer dependent enzyme

on the other side RNA polymerase don't need primer to initiate the polymerization process. RNA polymerase is primer independent enzyme.