What is the role of DNA primers in DNA replication?

DNA primers play a crucial role in initiating the synthesis of new DNA strands during DNA replication. In the process of replication, DNA polymerase enzymes are responsible for synthesizing new strands of DNA. However, these enzymes cannot begin synthesis de novo; they require a short segment of RNA or DNA to provide a starting point—this segment is called a primer.

Primers are complementary to the template DNA and allow DNA polymerase to extend the new strand by adding nucleotides. Once the primer is in place, DNA polymerase can start adding nucleotides to the 3' end of the primer, forming a new DNA strand that is complementary to the template strand. This action is critical for both leading and lagging strand synthesis, where multiple primers can be synthesized along the template strand to allow for continuous and discontinuous synthesis.

The other options highlight processes associated with other functions in molecular biology but do not apply to the specific role of DNA primers in replication. Gaps are sealed between DNA fragments by ligase, RNA synthesis involves RNA polymerase, and the stabilization of DNA structure is achieved through various mechanisms, none of which relate directly to the initiation of DNA synthesis by primers.