RNA Primer

Definition

The RNA primer is a short sequence of RNA nucleotides synthesized by RNA primase. It provides a 3' end onto which DNA polymerases can add nucleotides to synthesize a new strand of DNA.

Related terms

Leading Strand:

The template strand of the DNA molecule that is replicated continuously in the 3' to 5' direction by DNA polymerase.

Lagging Strand:

The template strand that is replicated discontinuously in short sections known as Okazaki fragments, each requiring its own primer.

Okazaki Fragments:

Short sequences of DNA nucleotides which are synthesized discontinuously and later linked together by ligase.