Recognition of B and Z forms of DNA by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I

J Mol Biol. 1986 Aug 20;190(4):635-8. doi: 10.1016/0022-2836(86)90248-2.

Abstract

Since the substrate binding domain of the large proteolytic fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I has been shown to interact with the B forms of DNA, we have studied the ability of this enzyme to recognize structures other than the B form. The polymerase activity has been used to evaluate the degree of recognition of the B and Z forms of DNA. The Z form was found to promote less activity, indicating the probable inability of the polymerase to move along the conformationally rigid form of the template. The present study indicates that the Z-DNA found in vivo may have a role in the control of replication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA Polymerase I / metabolism*
  • DNA, Bacterial* / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / enzymology
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation*
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Templates, Genetic

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • DNA Polymerase I