What is the role of DNA polymerase during DNA replication?

The role of DNA polymerase during DNA replication primarily involves synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand. This process involves establishing new nucleotide sequences, which allows for accurate duplication of the genetic material. DNA polymerase ensures that the DNA strand is built in the 5' to 3' direction, incorporating the correct nucleotides based on the base-pairing rules (adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine).

While DNA polymerase does possess proofreading capabilities that help to repair mismatched nucleotides by detecting and correcting errors during DNA synthesis, the main function attributed to DNA polymerase is the establishment of new nucleotide sequences. By ensuring accurate base pairing and facilitating the extension of the DNA strand, DNA polymerase plays a crucial role in the faithful replication of DNA, which is essential for cell division and the maintenance of genetic integrity.

The option related to repairing mismatched nucleotides refers to a critical aspect of its function but isn't the primary role during the overall DNA replication process. The focus during replication is on assembling the new strand rather than just correcting errors.