In contrast to DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase
a. Fills in the gap between Okazaki fragmentsb. Works only in a 5′ to 3′ direction
c. Edits as it synthesizes
d. Synthesizes RNA primer to initiate DNA synthesis
The answer is d.
DNA synthesis cannot occur until an RNA primer is made. A specific type
of RNA polymerase called primase synthesizes a short stretch of RNA of about
five nucleotides that is complementary to the template DNA strand in duplex DNA
near the replication fork. This function cannot be carried out by DNA
polymerase. In contrast, both DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase work in the 5′
to 3′ direction and add nucleoside monophosphates from nucleotide triphosphates
to the growing polynucleotide chains of DNA or RNA. Only DNA polymerase edits
as it synthesizes DNA and fills the gap between Okazaki fragments.
