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Index >> Replication of DNA >> 5' to 3' Polymerization

5' to 3' Polymerization

 

5' to 3' Polymerization - The synthesis of a new DNA chain (polymer) from its nucleotides (monomers) is called polymerization. The main polymerization enzyme is polymerase III, and not polymerase I as formerly thought. Pol I polymerizes nucleotides at the rate of about 1,000 molecules per minute at 37° C in E. coli.

As previously mentioned, polymerase I is not considered to be essential for DNA replication. Mutations resulting in the absence of polymerase I do not affect DNA synthesis. It is believed that polymerase I can synthesize only short segments of DNA and takes part in repair synthesis. It binds to single stranded DNA and nicks in double stranded DNA.

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