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DNA Polymerase

During DNA replication, DNA polymerase catalyzes the elongation of the new DNA.  As replication begins at the origins of replication, new bases align with their complementary bases on the template strand.  Using nucleotide triphosphates as a substrate, DNA polymerase polymerizes, or adds, the new bases to the growing 3' end of the new DNA strand.

Figure 1:  DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the new DNA strand.


    Click here to view DNA Polymerase III (D subunit) from E. coli
                    (must have Chime to view)

DNA Polymerase is a fundamental component to the replication of DNA, thus it is found in all varieties of species.  Using Genbank, the cDNA and translated amino acid sequences for five species are listed below.

Homo sapiens
Mus musculus
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Drosophila melanogaster
Mesocricetus auratus
 



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