A short RNA chain is synthesized as the first nucleotides in a new DNA strand by the enzyme ____ to provide a ____ for DNA elongation.
A) topoisomerase; 3' hydroxyl group
B) primase; 3' hydroxyl group
C) primase; 5' hydroxyl group
D) DNA polymerase; 5' phosphate group
E) DNA polymerase; 3' hydroxyl group

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer that provides a 3' hydroxyl group, which is necessary for DNA polymerase to initiate DNA synthesis.

A Short RNA Chain Is Synthesized as the First Nucleotides