What is the main function of DNA polymerase?

The main function of DNA polymerase is to add new nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing daughter strand during DNA replication. This enzyme synthesizes a new strand of DNA by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA. As it works, DNA polymerase reads the template strand of DNA and incorporates complementary nucleotides into the new strand, ensuring that the genetic information is accurately passed on during cell division.

This process is essential for the replication of DNA because it allows for the faithful duplication of the genetic material, which is critical for cell division. The accuracy of DNA polymerase is also supported by its proofreading ability, where it can correct any errors in nucleotide incorporation.

While other functions listed are related to DNA replication, they are not the primary roles of DNA polymerase. For instance, unwinding the DNA strands is primarily the function of helicase, while joining Okazaki fragments is generally carried out by DNA ligase. Forming RNA primers is the responsibility of primase, which provides the starting point that DNA polymerase needs to begin synthesis of the new DNA strand.