Primer

Primer is a molecule, typically a short strand of RNA, that serves as a starting point for DNA synthesis. It is necessary for DNA replication because the enzymes that catalyze this process, DNA polymerases, can only add new nucleotides to an existing strand of DNA.

Function

The main function of a primer is to act as a starting point for DNA synthesis. During DNA replication, the DNA polymerase enzyme can only add new nucleotides to the 3' end of an existing strand of DNA. Therefore, a primer, which is a short strand of RNA, must first bind to the DNA template strand. This provides a 3' end to which the DNA polymerase can add new nucleotides.

Synthesis

Primers are synthesized by an enzyme called primase. Primase is a type of RNA polymerase that creates a short RNA sequence that is complementary to the DNA template strand. This RNA sequence serves as the primer for DNA synthesis.

Role in DNA Replication

During DNA replication, the primer binds to the DNA template strand at the origin of replication. The DNA polymerase then adds new nucleotides to the 3' end of the primer, extending the DNA strand. Once the DNA replication is complete, the RNA primer is removed and replaced with DNA.

See Also

• DNA replication
• DNA polymerase
• Primase

Primer Resources
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