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Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing RNA primers required during DNA replication?

A. DNA polymerase
B. RNA primase✓ Correct Answer
C. DNA ligase
D. Helicase

💡 Solution & Explanation

RNA primase is a specialized RNA polymerase that synthesizes short RNA primers, providing the essential free 3'-OH group required by DNA polymerase to initiate strand elongation during replication. DNA polymerase cannot start a new chain from scratch, and DNA ligase functions later to seal nicked phosphodiester backbones. Molecular biology concepts regarding enzyme functions during replication are frequently featured in competitive biology syllabi.

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