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Bit confused on the role of DNA polymerase

During semiconservative replication, what is the role of DNA polymerase?
Does it catalyse the formation of hydrogen bonds between the template and new strand of DNA or does it catalyse the formation of phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides?
Any clarity would help, thanks.
I thought it does both lol
Original post by Littleonezz
During semiconservative replication, what is the role of DNA polymerase?
Does it catalyse the formation of hydrogen bonds between the template and new strand of DNA or does it catalyse the formation of phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides?
Any clarity would help, thanks.


As you know, DNA replication is extremely complicated and there are several different DNA polymerases. The answer that you are expected to give might be what your exam board/teacher has decided is the best simplification.

To my mind, the clearest answer in principle is that DNA polymerase(s) catalyse the formation of the phosphodiester bonds between bases in the growing chain. This facilitates hydrogen bonding between the template and new base pairs. (the bases still have to be compatible according to the A-T/G-C pairing rule of course).

Is that helpful? (ignore it if it isn't!)

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