Question

Conceptual question: (Synthesis of primer)

When primase finds a spot to use parental DNA as a template is it bound at a sequence specific site?

Answer 1

Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer, not bound to a sequence-specific site but to replication initiation regions, for DNA polymerase to build the new DNA strand.

Step-by-step explanation:

Primase does not bind to a sequence-specific site on the parental DNA but rather to regions where replication is initiated. This enzyme is essential for DNA replication because it synthesizes a short RNA primer that provides a free 3'-OH end upon which DNA polymerase can attach nucleotides.

During replication, primase scouts for regions called origins of replication to synthesize primers. Unlike PCR primers that need to be sequence-specific to amplify a particular region of DNA, the primers made by primase during cellular DNA replication are not bound to a specific sequence but to an area where replication starts. Once the primer is laid down, DNA polymerase can extend these primers to form the new strand.