DNA polymerase
Puts down new complimentary bases when building new strands of DNA
DNA polymerase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in DNA replication. Its primary function is to catalyze the synthesis of a new DNA strand complementary to a template DNA strand using nucleotides as building blocks.
There are several types of DNA polymerase that have been identified, including DNA polymerase I, II, III, IV, and V. Each type has different functions and is responsible for different aspects of DNA replication and repair.
During DNA replication, the leading and lagging strands undergo synthesis in opposite directions. DNA polymerase III is responsible for synthesizing the leading strand in the 5′ to 3′ direction, while DNA polymerase I is responsible for filling in gaps and removing RNA primers on the lagging strand in the Okazaki fragments. DNA polymerase II, IV, and V function primarily in DNA repair processes.
In addition to its role in DNA replication, DNA polymerase is also involved in various other cellular processes, such as DNA damage repair, recombination, and replication fork restart.
Overall, DNA polymerase is a crucial enzyme in maintaining the genetic stability of cells and organisms, and its dysfunction can lead to various diseases and disorders.
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