Function |
Catalyzes the synthesis of DNA by adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand |
Types |
Various types of DNA polymerases exist, including DNA polymerase I, II, III, and others, each with specific roles in DNA replication, repair, or specialized functions |
DNA Synthesis Direction |
Adds nucleotides in the 5′ to 3′ direction |
Primer Requirement |
Needs a short RNA or DNA primer to initiate DNA synthesis |
Proofreading |
Some DNA polymerases possess proofreading activity, enabling them to correct errors in DNA replication |
Processivity |
DNA polymerases exhibit high processivity, allowing them to add multiple nucleotides without dissociating from the DNA template |
Subunits |
DNA polymerases are composed of multiple subunits that contribute to their catalytic activity and stability |
Replication Machinery |
DNA polymerase III is the primary polymerase responsible for DNA replication in prokaryotes, while DNA polymerase α, δ, and ε are involved in replication in eukaryotes |
Specialized Functions |
Some DNA polymerases have specialized functions, such as translesion synthesis, DNA repair, or recombination |
Primer Removal |
DNA polymerase I possesses 5′ to 3′ exonuclease activity, allowing it to remove RNA primers during DNA replication and fill the gaps with DNA |
Commercial Availability |
DNA polymerases are commercially available for various applications in molecular biology and research |
Thermostability |
Certain DNA polymerases, such as Taq polymerase, exhibit high thermostability and are used in PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) |
Inhibitors |
Some chemicals, such as nucleoside analogs, can inhibit DNA polymerase activity by incorporating into the growing DNA chain and disrupting replication |
Clinical Significance |
Mutations in DNA polymerase genes can lead to genetic disorders, such as DNA polymerase proofreading-associated syndromes |
Molecular Biology Applications |
DNA polymerases are widely used in various molecular biology techniques, including DNA amplification (PCR), DNA sequencing, cloning, and DNA labeling |