What is the primary function of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

The primary function of DNA polymerase in DNA replication is to add nucleotides to a growing DNA strand. During DNA replication, this enzyme plays a crucial role by catalyzing the formation of new DNA strands complementary to the original template strands. It does so by facilitating the addition of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA, to the 3' end of the newly forming strand.

As a part of the replication process, DNA polymerase ensures that the correct nucleotides are incorporated according to base-pairing rules (adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine). This fidelity is essential for maintaining the integrity of the genetic information being passed on during cell division.

In terms of the overall process, while other components are involved in unwinding the DNA (helicase), synthesizing RNA primers (primase), and linking Okazaki fragments (DNA ligase), these functions support the action of DNA polymerase, which is fundamentally responsible for the elongation of the new DNA strand. This emphasizes the central role of DNA polymerase in DNA replication.