2007-03-13 14:56:06 · 3 answers · asked by teck kim 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
No, it isn't possible because of the way the DNA polymerases work.
The DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3' end by catalyzing the reaction between the -OH end of the polynucleotide chain and the phosphate group of the nucleoside triphosphate to be added.
If there is no 3-OH group available, the enzyme cannot start the reaction.
In contrast, RNA polymerases don't need a primer, thus there is RNA available to be used in DNA replication.
Some basic information here:
http://oregonstate.edu/instruction/bb492/lectures/DNAI.html
More here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=stryer.section.3769
2007-03-16 10:09:30 · answer #1 · answered by Calimecita 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
If you are speaking of the process of DNA synthesis inside a cell there must always be a primer. DNA synthesis is incapable of being started "de novo" without a primer to provide the point of new DNA synthesis. This happens from bacteria up to mammals.
2007-03-13 15:17:38 · answer #2 · answered by Gene Guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. You must have a primer to make more copies of the template, otherwise you won't be able to analyze or clone it.
2007-03-14 02:00:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋