Eukaryotic DNA primase

Abstract

Eukaryotic DNA primase initiates the synthesis of all new DNA strands by synthesizing short RNA oligomers on single-stranded DNA. Additionally, primase helps couple replication and repair and is critical for telomere maintenance and, therefore, chromosome stability. In light of the many aspects of DNA metabolism in which primase is involved, understanding the unique features of the mechanism of this enzyme and how it interacts with other proteins will greatly advance our knowledge of DNA replication and repair.