Question

If a DNA polymerase were discovered that was able to synthesize DNA without the requirement of a free 3'-hydroxyl group, which feature of DNA replication would be least likely to be needed?

Answer 1

Dear student, DNA polymerases require a primer with a free 3′-hydroxyl group already base-paired to the template. They cannot start by adding nucleotides to a free single-stranded DNA template.If a DNA polymerase were discovered that was able to synthesize DNA without the requirement of a free 3'-hydroxyl group, DNA replication would not require primer . The primer provides a complementary strand to the DNa for replication. So,this feature would be least likely to be needed if DNA polymerase were discovered that was able to synthesize DNA without the requirement of a free 3'-hydroxyl group. Regards