Which DNA replication enzyme synthesizes the new strand of DNA?

Which DNA replication enzyme synthesizes the new strand of DNA?

• A. DNA polymerase
• B. Helicase
• C. Primase
• D. Ligase

Answer: (A)

DNA polymerase is the enzyme that builds the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides that are complementary to the template strand, extending the chain in the 5' to 3' direction. During replication, the leading strand is synthesized continuously as the fork opens, while the lagging strand is made in short Okazaki fragments, each started by a primer laid down by primase and then extended by polymerase until fragments are joined by ligase. Helicase unwinds the double helix, primase provides the starting point with an RNA primer, and ligase seals the final nicks after fragment synthesis. DNA polymerase is the core enzyme responsible for the actual synthesis of the new DNA, with proofreading to correct mistakes.

DNA polymerase is the enzyme that builds the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides that are complementary to the template strand, extending the chain in the 5' to 3' direction. During replication, the leading strand is synthesized continuously as the fork opens, while the lagging strand is made in short Okazaki fragments, each started by a primer laid down by primase and then extended by polymerase until fragments are joined by ligase. Helicase unwinds the double helix, primase provides the starting point with an RNA primer, and ligase seals the final nicks after fragment synthesis. DNA polymerase is the core enzyme responsible for the actual synthesis of the new DNA, with proofreading to correct mistakes.