DNA polymerase catalyses the addition of nucleotides during DNA replication. Its main role is to:

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Synthesise new DNA strands complementary to the template

• DNA polymerase is an essential enzyme involved in DNA replication. Its primary function is to catalyze the addition of nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, synthesizing a new strand that is complementary to the template strand. It reads the template DNA strand in the 3' to 5' direction and adds new nucleotides to the growing strand in the 5' to 3' direction.

• During replication, DNA polymerase helps to extend the newly formed strand, ensuring the accurate copying of genetic information.

Information Booster:

• DNA Replication Process:

  • DNA polymerase works along with several other enzymes, such as helicase (which unwinds the DNA), primase (which lays down RNA primers), and ligase (which seals the gaps between Okazaki fragments).

  • Okazaki Fragments: These are short DNA fragments synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication. DNA polymerase helps in synthesizing them, but it is DNA ligase that is responsible for joining these fragments together.

  • RNA Primer Removal: This is done by another enzyme, DNA polymerase I, in prokaryotes, or RNase H in eukaryotes. DNA polymerase itself does not remove primers.

  • Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix, not DNA polymerase.