DNA polymerases catalyze the entire biological DNA synthesis in DNA replication, repair
and recombination. A DNA polymerase is presented with a pool of four structurally
similar dNTPs from which it must select the sole correct substrate for incorporation
into the growing DNA strand. The mechanisms how these remarkable enzymes achieve this
tremendous task is a matter of current interest and intensive discussion. Valuable
new insights into complex DNA polymerase selectivity mechanisms were gained through
employment of 4′C-alkylated nucleotide analogues in functional enzyme studies. First
investigations indicate that the 4′C-modified substrates are promising for the development
of faithful methods for genome diagnostics.
DNA - nucleosides - nucleotides - oligonucleotides - DNA polymerase