What occurs after RNA primers are removed during DNA replication?

After RNA primers are removed during DNA replication, DNA polymerase adds DNA nucleotides to fill in the gaps where the RNA primers were located. This is a critical step in the replication process, ensuring that the newly formed DNA strand is continuous and complete. The RNA primers serve as a starting point for DNA polymerase, but once the replication process moves forward and the synthesis of DNA begins, these RNA segments must be replaced with DNA for the strand to be functional.

In this context, RNA primers are initially necessary because DNA polymerase cannot commence synthesis without an existing nucleic acid strand. Once the synthesis of the new DNA strand begins and the primers are removed, the role of DNA polymerase shifts to adding DNA nucleotides and thereby ensuring the integrity of the newly synthesized DNA molecule. This process is vital for accurate DNA replication and maintaining genetic fidelity in cells.