What role does DNA polymerase play during replication?

DNA polymerase is a crucial enzyme in the process of DNA replication, where it plays the key role of synthesizing new DNA strands. During replication, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides one by one to the growing DNA strand, complementary to the template strand. This action is crucial for accurately copying the genetic information needed for cell division.

As the DNA unwinds, the original strands serve as templates. DNA polymerase ensures that the new strands are synthesized in accordance with the base-pairing rules—adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine. This process not only enables the duplication of the genetic material but also maintains the integrity and accuracy of the DNA being passed to daughter cells.

Understanding the specific role of DNA polymerase highlights its importance in cell division and in maintaining genetic continuity across generations of cells.