DNA polymerases play a crucial role during DNA replication, which is the process of duplicating the genetic material within a cell. The primary function of DNA polymerases is to synthesize new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the growing DNA chain, using the original DNA strand as a template. This ensures that the genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to the daughter cells during cell division.DNA polymerases ensure the accuracy of DNA synthesis through several mechanisms, including:1. Base selection: DNA polymerases have a high specificity for selecting the correct nucleotide to be added to the growing DNA chain. This is achieved through complementary base pairing, where adenine A pairs with thymine T and guanine G pairs with cytosine C . The active site of the DNA polymerase enzyme has a specific shape that allows only the correct nucleotide to bind and form a stable complex, thus minimizing the chances of incorporating incorrect nucleotides.2. Proofreading activity: DNA polymerases possess a 3'-5' exonuclease activity, which serves as a proofreading mechanism. This activity allows the enzyme to recognize and remove any incorrectly incorporated nucleotides. If a mismatched base is added to the growing DNA chain, the DNA polymerase stalls and the 3'-5' exonuclease activity removes the incorrect nucleotide. Once the incorrect nucleotide is removed, the polymerase resumes DNA synthesis by adding the correct nucleotide.3. Strand-directed mismatch repair: In addition to the proofreading activity of DNA polymerases, cells also have a separate mismatch repair system that detects and corrects any remaining errors in the newly synthesized DNA strand. This system recognizes the mismatched base pairs and removes a segment of the newly synthesized DNA strand containing the error. DNA polymerase then fills in the gap with the correct nucleotides, and the DNA strand is sealed by DNA ligase.These proofreading mechanisms used by DNA polymerases and the cellular repair systems help maintain the integrity of the genetic code by minimizing the error rate during DNA replication. As a result, the genetic information is accurately passed on to the daughter cells, ensuring the proper functioning and survival of the organism.