Replikatsiooniensüüm

Replikatsiooniensüüm refers to the enzymes involved in the process of DNA replication. This crucial biological process ensures that genetic information is accurately copied before cell division. The primary enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands is DNA polymerase. There are various types of DNA polymerases, each with specific roles in replication, repair, and recombination.

During replication, DNA polymerase reads the existing DNA strand and adds complementary nucleotides to create a new strand. This process requires the unwinding of the DNA double helix, a task performed by helicase. Another important enzyme is primase, which synthesizes short RNA primers that DNA polymerase needs to initiate DNA synthesis. Ligase plays a vital role in joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, ensuring the continuous integrity of the newly formed DNA.

These enzymes work in a coordinated manner within a complex molecular machinery called the replisome. The fidelity of DNA replication is remarkably high, thanks to the proofreading capabilities of some DNA polymerases, which can detect and correct errors during synthesis. Dysfunctions in replication enzymes can lead to mutations and contribute to diseases like cancer.