DNA Polymerases as Engines for Biotechnology
This review examines the DNA polymerases, a class of enzymes that has been an essential tool for molecular biology research. Several families of DNA polymerases have been defined based on amino acid sequence comparisons, and new enzymes are continually being discovered, driving the expansion of the...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2001-08-01
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| Series: | BioTechniques |
| Online Access: | https://www.future-science.com/doi/10.2144/01312rv01 |
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| _version_ | 1850153836488949760 |
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| author | Scott C. Hamilton Joseph W. Farchaus Maria C. Davis |
| author_facet | Scott C. Hamilton Joseph W. Farchaus Maria C. Davis |
| author_sort | Scott C. Hamilton |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This review examines the DNA polymerases, a class of enzymes that has been an essential tool for molecular biology research. Several families of DNA polymerases have been defined based on amino acid sequence comparisons, and new enzymes are continually being discovered, driving the expansion of the current classifications. Structural similarities among the enzymes are examined, as well as the functions of the various subunits and enzyme domains. The natural variety of polymerase activities has been harnessed for applications such as amplification, labeling, and detection of DNA sequences. In addition, enhancements to DNA polymerases by genetic engineering will be described, such as enzymes specifically designed for DNA sequencing by improving the incorporation of dideoxynucleotide terminators. Reverse transcription, the ability to use RNA as a template for DNA synthesis, is described for the application of making cDNA. We believe that new and unanticipated applications will emerge as new polymerases and mutated polymerases are created and characterized. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-05d270cab66848cc95f1d0fc3936f380 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 0736-6205 1940-9818 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2001-08-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BioTechniques |
| spelling | doaj-art-05d270cab66848cc95f1d0fc3936f3802025-08-20T02:25:37ZengTaylor & Francis GroupBioTechniques0736-62051940-98182001-08-0131237038310.2144/01312rv01DNA Polymerases as Engines for BiotechnologyScott C. Hamilton0Joseph W. Farchaus1Maria C. Davis21Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, NJ, USA1Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, NJ, USA1Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, NJ, USAThis review examines the DNA polymerases, a class of enzymes that has been an essential tool for molecular biology research. Several families of DNA polymerases have been defined based on amino acid sequence comparisons, and new enzymes are continually being discovered, driving the expansion of the current classifications. Structural similarities among the enzymes are examined, as well as the functions of the various subunits and enzyme domains. The natural variety of polymerase activities has been harnessed for applications such as amplification, labeling, and detection of DNA sequences. In addition, enhancements to DNA polymerases by genetic engineering will be described, such as enzymes specifically designed for DNA sequencing by improving the incorporation of dideoxynucleotide terminators. Reverse transcription, the ability to use RNA as a template for DNA synthesis, is described for the application of making cDNA. We believe that new and unanticipated applications will emerge as new polymerases and mutated polymerases are created and characterized.https://www.future-science.com/doi/10.2144/01312rv01 |
| spellingShingle | Scott C. Hamilton Joseph W. Farchaus Maria C. Davis DNA Polymerases as Engines for Biotechnology BioTechniques |
| title | DNA Polymerases as Engines for Biotechnology |
| title_full | DNA Polymerases as Engines for Biotechnology |
| title_fullStr | DNA Polymerases as Engines for Biotechnology |
| title_full_unstemmed | DNA Polymerases as Engines for Biotechnology |
| title_short | DNA Polymerases as Engines for Biotechnology |
| title_sort | dna polymerases as engines for biotechnology |
| url | https://www.future-science.com/doi/10.2144/01312rv01 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT scottchamilton dnapolymerasesasenginesforbiotechnology AT josephwfarchaus dnapolymerasesasenginesforbiotechnology AT mariacdavis dnapolymerasesasenginesforbiotechnology |