Step 1: DNA polymerase I is a prokaryotic enzyme whose main roles are to repair DNA damage, remove RNA primers from Okazaki fragments, and fill the gaps with DNA during replication. So options (b), (c), and (d) all describe TRUE functions of Pol I.
Step 2: The question asks which single statement is "correct" in the sense intended by the recall key, which selects (a) "Not required in bacteria." The printed answer is (A).
Step 3: The intended logic is that the essential replicative polymerase in bacteria is DNA polymerase III, and bacteria can survive (are viable) without Pol I for bulk replication because Pol III carries out the main synthesis. Pol I is needed only for primer removal and repair, not for the core replicative duty.
Step 4: Thus among the listed options the key treats (a) as the distinguishing correct statement, matching the printed answer.