Question

Why is RNA primase important for DNA replication?

• A. DNA polymerase cannot start replication from a free 5' end
• B. RNA primer added to DNA strand gives stability during replication
• C. A primer is always made of RNA
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A DNA polymerase cannot start replication from a free 5' end

DNA polymerase does not have the ability to start the replication from a free 5' end of the DNA; it can only add nucleotides to the free 3' end of an already existing primer. Therefore the RNA primase first creates a short primer of 10-15 nucleotides and then, the DNA polymerase takes over.