Problem

Solutions For An Introduction to Genetic Analysis Chapter 7 Problem 8P

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution 1

Primers are chemically or biochemically synthesized short oligonucleotides of ribonucleic acid () or deoxyribonucleic acid (). They are nucleotides in length. Primers can be used by the both and systems. In, they are mainly synthesized by the enzyme primase using one strand of the as a template. During replication, the polymerase enzyme elongates in one direction from the end.

Step #2 of 3

Since the polymerase enzyme is not capable of initiating a replication process on its own, it requires a group for the elongation (through a phosphodiester bond) of in the direction. In the newly synthesizing strand the primer is added to the template strand to provide a group.

This group is subjected to nucleophilic attack by polymerase on the innermost phosphorus atom of deoxynucleotide triphosphate leaving the pyrophosphate (). By this way the incoming nucleotide is attacked on group, thus adding new bases to the growing strand. Primers would be finally removed and would be replaced through the nucleotides of, and thus makes sure that there is no gap in the final product.