DNA polymerase
DNA Polymerase
DNA polymerase (pronounced: dee-en-ay puh-lim-er-ace) is a type of enzyme that is responsible for forming new copies of DNA, a process called DNA replication.
Etymology
The term "DNA polymerase" is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "meros" meaning "part". This is in reference to the enzyme's function of creating many parts of DNA.
Function
DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the three prime (3') end of a DNA strand. This process is essential for DNA replication, as it allows for the creation of two identical DNA strands from one original DNA molecule. DNA polymerase also plays a crucial role in DNA repair and genetic recombination.
Types
There are several types of DNA polymerases, including:
- DNA polymerase I: This type of DNA polymerase is involved in the process of prokaryotic DNA replication and repair.
- DNA polymerase II: This type of DNA polymerase is involved in DNA repair and replication in eukaryotes.
- DNA polymerase III: This type of DNA polymerase is the main enzyme involved in prokaryotic DNA replication.
Related Terms
- Nucleotide: The building block of DNA and RNA.
- Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
- DNA replication: The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself during cell division.
- DNA repair: The collection of processes by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.
- Genetic recombination: The process by which genetic material is physically mixed during sexual reproduction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on DNA polymerase
- Wikipedia's article - DNA polymerase
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski