Multiple choice

What is the primer that is required to initiate the synthesis of a new DNA strand?

  1. RNA

  2. DNA

  3. ligase

  4. primase

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

DNA polymerase cannot start a new strand from scratch; it requires a short segment of RNA, known as an RNA primer, to provide a free 3'-OH group to which it can add nucleotides.