A short single-stranded nucleic acid used by all living organisms in the initiation of DNA synthesis
The short single-stranded nucleic acid used by all living organisms in the initiation of DNA synthesis is called a primer
The short single-stranded nucleic acid used by all living organisms in the initiation of DNA synthesis is called a primer.
DNA synthesis, also known as DNA replication, is a crucial process in which a copy of the DNA molecule is made. This process is vital for cell division, growth, and repair in all living organisms.
The primer serves as the starting point for DNA synthesis. It is typically a short sequence of RNA (ribonucleic acid) or DNA that is complementary to the DNA strand it is binding to. The primer is synthesized by an enzyme called primase, which adds the nucleotides to the growing RNA or DNA chain.
The primer has two key functions. First, it provides a free 3′-OH group that DNA polymerase can attach to and elongate, allowing the DNA replication machinery to start adding nucleotides to the growing DNA chain. Second, the primer provides a template for DNA polymerase to follow, ensuring the accurate replication of the DNA sequence.
During DNA replication, DNA polymerase recognizes the primer and binds to it, initiating the synthesis of a new DNA strand. The primer is eventually replaced by DNA polymerase, which adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, using the parental DNA strand as a template.
Overall, the primer plays a critical role in the initiation of DNA synthesis by providing a starting point for DNA polymerase and ensuring accurate DNA replication.
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