Question: Which of the following statements about the initiation of DNA replication in E. coli is correct? Need Assignment Help? Choose all that apply. DNA polymerase III requires a primer whose bases have ribose, and will not extend a primer whose bases have deoxyribose even if one were provided in vitro. DNA polymerase III requires an unoccupied hydroxyl group at the 3' end of an existing nucleic acid molecule from which to extend, and will not initiate a new strand without that hydroxyl group. DNA polymerase III requires a primer of a specifically defined length, and will not extend a shorter primer even if the primer is stably attached to a single-stranded DNA template.