Which of the following describes the function of DNA Ligase in DNA synthesis?

DNA Ligase plays a crucial role in the process of DNA replication, particularly in the synthesis of the lagging strand. During DNA replication, the DNA double helix unwinds, and new strands are synthesized based on the original template strand. On the lagging strand, synthesis occurs in short segments known as Okazaki fragments. These fragments are initially separated from each other and require a mechanism to join them together to form a continuous strand.

DNA Ligase is the enzyme responsible for this joining process. It connects the sugar-phosphate backbones of these Okazaki fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds, which effectively seals the gaps between them. This action ensures that the lagging strand is fully integrated into a single, continuous DNA molecule, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the DNA.

The other choices pertain to different aspects of DNA replication. For example, synthesizing RNA primers is a function of Primase, adding nucleotides to new strands is primarily the role of DNA Polymerase, and unwinding the DNA double helix is performed by Helicase. Each of these enzymes plays a distinct and vital role in DNA replication, but it is DNA Ligase that specifically focuses on joining the Okazaki fragments to complete the