What is the Catalytic Mechanism of DNA Polymerase?
The catalytic mechanism of DNA polymerase involves several steps:
1. Binding of the Template and Primer: The enzyme binds to the DNA template and the primer. 2. Nucleotide Selection: The correct nucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) is selected based on base-pairing rules. 3. Phosphodiester Bond Formation: The enzyme catalyzes the formation of a covalent bond between the 3'-OH group of the primer and the 5'-phosphate of the incoming dNTP. 4. Translocation: The enzyme moves to the next position on the template to add another nucleotide.
