DNA polymerase requires a primer to start synthesis.

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

5 sources for · 2 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that DNA polymerase requires a primer to start synthesis?

Yes. A review of bacteriophage phi29 polymerase states plainly that DNA polymerases cannot initiate DNA synthesis de novo and require a short RNA/DNA primer providing a 3'-OH group. Other sources describe primer-dependent replication in mitochondria and Pol α primer extension, while a few report primer-independent synthesis by specific enzymes under special conditions.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 5 sources for, 2 against · Last checked 18 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Evidence for · 5

DNA polymerase

Get citation

DNA polymerase. (n.d.). en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_polymerase

Evidence against · 2

Properties of mitochondrial DNA polymerase in mitochondrial DNA synthesis in yeast

1995

Get citation

T.K., B., P., S., & R., G. (1995). Properties of mitochondrial DNA polymerase in mitochondrial DNA synthesis in yeast. inis.iaea.org. https://inis.iaea.org/records/m480g-9rv50

See more details

More for · 4

why dna polymerase 3 requires a primer for replication

2015

Get citation

why dna polymerase 3 requires a primer for replication. (2015). biology.stackexchange.com. https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/40953/why-dna-polymerase-3-requires-a-primer-for-replication

In vitro replication of human mitochondrial DNA: Accurate initiation at the origin of light-strand synthesis

1985

Get citation

In vitro replication of human mitochondrial DNA: Accurate initiation at the origin of light-strand synthesis. (1985). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-8674(85)90291-0

Bacteriophage Phi 29 DNA Polymerase: An Outstanding Replicase

2012

Get citation

Bacteriophage Phi 29 DNA Polymerase: An Outstanding Replicase. (2012). hdl.handle.net. http://hdl.handle.net/10261/47240

FACT-(H3-H4) complex stimulates Pol α activity to coordinate DNA synthesis with nucleosome assembly.

2026

Get citation

W, Z., S, G., J, X., Y, T., G, J., J, Y., G, S., J, W., F, Q., N, G., J, F., & Q, L. (2026). FACT-(H3-H4) complex stimulates Pol α activity to coordinate DNA synthesis with nucleosome assembly.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeh7889

More against · 1

Genetic information ‘created’ by archaebacterial DNA polymerase

Get citation

Genetic information ‘created’ by archaebacterial DNA polymerase. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.1042/bj3240667

Receipt History

Anyone with this link can read the claim and its public receipt, including any personal information in that text. Open permanent receipt.

Check your own claim

Challenge the receipt

I have a source that contradicts this verdict I have a source that supports it No source: request a receipt review Requests are recorded for review. This does not start an automatic check or guarantee a response time.

Citation formatting by citeproc-js (Frank Bennett) and the Citation Style Language project. Source and licenses.

This receipt is an automated verdict against our published method · not an opinion about any author or publication.
Terms · Privacy · How verdicts work