RNA Primers = Part of Okazaki fragments?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the semantics of RNA primers being considered part of Okazaki fragments. It is clarified that while RNA primers are necessary for the synthesis of Okazaki fragments, they are not retained in the final DNA strand and therefore should not be considered part of the fragments. The naming of Okazaki fragments may also become obsolete once the RNA primers are removed and the fragments are joined.
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ahyaa
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Hi, I have a simple semantics question.

I have been reading some literature that seems to consider RNA Primers as part of Okazaki fragments, but this should not be so because Okazaki Fragments by definition are just the DNA portions synthesized on the lagging strand. Any opinions/clarifications on this?
 
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ahyaa said:
Hi, I have a simple semantics question.

I have been reading some literature that seems to consider RNA Primers as part of Okazaki fragments, but this should not be so because Okazaki Fragments by definition are just the DNA portions synthesized on the lagging strand. Any opinions/clarifications on this?

As you probably know, each Okazaki fragment for the lagging DNA stand requires its own RNA primer, but if I understand your question, the RNA primers are not retained in the final DNA stand whereas the Okazaki fragments are.

EDIT: It's possible that the name 'Okazaki fragment' may no longer apply once the RNA primer has been removed by DNA polymerase and the fragments joined by DNA ligase. At this point, it seems they are no longer fragments.
 
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What are RNA primers and how are they related to Okazaki fragments?

RNA primers are short segments of RNA molecules that are used to initiate DNA replication. In the process of DNA replication, Okazaki fragments are short, newly synthesized DNA fragments that are formed on the lagging strand. RNA primers are essential for the formation of Okazaki fragments as they provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to add nucleotides.

How are RNA primers different from DNA primers?

RNA primers are different from DNA primers in several ways. Firstly, RNA primers are composed of ribonucleotides, while DNA primers are composed of deoxyribonucleotides. Secondly, RNA primers are shorter in length compared to DNA primers. Lastly, RNA primers are removed and replaced with DNA by the enzyme DNA polymerase, while DNA primers are not replaced during DNA replication.

Can RNA primers be reused?

No, RNA primers cannot be reused. Once they have initiated DNA replication, they are removed and replaced with DNA by the enzyme DNA polymerase. This process ensures that the newly synthesized DNA is composed entirely of DNA nucleotides and not RNA nucleotides.

How are RNA primers synthesized?

RNA primers are synthesized by the enzyme primase. Primase is a type of RNA polymerase that can synthesize short RNA molecules using DNA as a template. Primase works together with DNA polymerase to initiate DNA replication by synthesizing RNA primers on the lagging strand.

What happens to the RNA primers after DNA replication is complete?

After DNA replication is complete, RNA primers are removed and replaced with DNA by the enzyme DNA polymerase. This process is called primer removal and is necessary to produce a DNA molecule that is composed entirely of DNA nucleotides. The newly synthesized DNA fragments, including the former RNA primers, are then joined together by the enzyme DNA ligase to form a continuous strand.

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