DNA synthesis

DNA synthesis refers to the creation of new DNA molecules. This can be done artificially in a reaction tube by PCR and it is also done by all living organisms during a process called DNA replication. The DNA synthesis is carried out by DNA polymerase. This enzyme adds nucleotides to the 3' end of a primer bound to the template DNA because this end has a free hydroxyl group (-OH) that can react with the phosphate group of the incoming nucleotide. Therefore, the new DNA strand is said to be synthesized in the 5'→3'(five prime and three prime) direction. The new DNA strand will be complementary to the template strand, and antiparallel.