The process of DNA replication is crucial for genetic inheritance and cellular function. During replication, enzymes such as DNA polymerases synthesize new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand. Furthermore, DNA is wrapped around histone proteins to form nucleosomes, which play a vital role in the compaction of DNA within the nucleus. A particular type of DNA polymerase, known as DNA polymerase I, serves as a key enzyme in the replication process, particularly in prokaryotes, where it is responsible not only for synthesizing new DNA but also for replacing RNA primers with DNA nucleotides. In eukaryotes, several DNA polymerases exist, each with specialized functions during replication and repair.

Considering the roles of these enzymes, which statement about DNA polymerase I and its function in prokaryotic DNA replication is most accurate?