dna replication

Question

Which enzyme adds RNA primers during eukaryotic DNA replication?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Requirement**: DNA polymerases cannot initiate DNA synthesis on their own; they require a short sequence of RNA (a primer) to provide a 3'-OH end.
2. **In Eukaryotes**: A specialized complex called **DNA polymerase $\alpha$ (pol $\alpha$) - primase** is responsible.
3. **Mechanism**: The primase subunit starts the process by synthesizing a short RNA primer ($≈ 10$ nucleotides), which is then slightly extended with DNA by the pol $\alpha$ subunit.
4. **Others**:
   - **DNA pol III**: The main replicative enzyme in prokaryotes.
   - **Ligase**: Joins Okazaki fragments.
   - **Topoisomerase**: Relieves torsional stress ahead of the replication fork.

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