Biopolymers and cell. 1985. Volume 1. № 5. 241 - 247

L. L. Terentiev, N. A. Terentieva, V. A. Rasskazov

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DNA POLYMERASES a AND p FROM SEA URCHIN EMBRYOS

Summary

    Two DNA polymerases were isolated from embryonic cells of the sea urchin Strongylo-centrotus Mermedlus. In terms of physicochemical properties and primer-template spe¬cificity these enzymes are classified as DNA polymerases a and p. DNA polymerase a can interact both with single strand and 3'-hydroxyl termini in gapped DNA. The inte¬raction of DNA polymerase a with single-stranded sites depends on the template base composition. DNA polymerase p recognizes only 3' primer termini (hydroxyl or phospho-ryl). DNA polymerase a realizes DNA synthesis via a moderately processive mechanism and is unable to fill gaps in the DNA chain to completion. In contrast, DNA polymerase P is a distributive enzyme and fills gaps in the DNA chain completely.