DNA polymerases are not capable of de novo DNA synthesis and require synthesis of a primer, usually by a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (primase) to begin DNA synthesis. In eukaryotic cells, the primer is synthesized by DNA polymerase alpha:primase. First, the DNA primase portion of this complex synthesizes approximately 6-10 nucleotides of RNA primer and then the DNA polymerase portion synthesizes an additional 20 nucleotides of DNA (Frick & Richardson 2002; Wang et al 1984).
Frick, DN, Richardson, CC
Hu, SZ, Korn, D, Wang, TS
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