In DNA polymerases, the 3’ hydroxyl end attacks the phosphorus on the incoming nucleotide triphosphate to...

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Biology

In DNA polymerases, the 3’ hydroxyl end attacks the phosphoruson the incoming nucleotide triphosphate to add another nucleotideto the growing chain. a) These enzymes requireMg2+. What function might this cofactor serve in theenzymatic process?    b) How doesthe mechanism explain the inability of the polymerase to synthesizeDNA using nucleotide monophosphates? c) How doesthe mechanism explain how some DNA polymerases can replace RNAprimers and damaged DNA (“nick translation,”) but not seal thebackbone (“ligation”)?

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a The catalytic mechanism of DNA polymerase involves two magnesium ions These ions are coordinated to the phosphate groups of the incoming nucleotide triphosphate and to three Asp residues The Asp residues are highly conserved and present in all DNA polymerases    See Answer
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