AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -This statement is true. RNA polymerase has the ability to initiate RNA synthesis at a specific terminal. However, DNA polymerase does not act on the terminal where polynucleotide synthesis occurs. Therefore, a primer RNA has to be involved in the initiation of DNA synthesis.

Detailed explanation-2: -A primer must be synthesized by an enzyme called primase, which is a type of RNA polymerase, before DNA replication can occur. The synthesis of a primer is necessary because the enzymes that synthesize DNA, which are called DNA polymerases, can only attach new DNA nucleotides to an existing strand of nucleotides.

Detailed explanation-3: -DNA polymerase (DNAP) is a type of enzyme that is responsible for forming new copies of DNA, in the form of nucleic acid molecules.

Detailed explanation-4: -Primers are small pieces of RNA, ribonucleic acid, about five to fifteen nucleotides long. They are made by a form of RNA polymerase called primase. Primase, unlike DNA polymerases, does not require a free 3’-OH end for synthesis.