DNA polymerisation, pronounced as (di.ɛn.eɪ pɒlɪ.məraɪ'zeɪ.ʃən), is the process of creating a new strand of DNA from existing DNA strands. The spelling of the word follows English phonetic conventions, with the stressed syllable "meri" being spelled with an "e" rather than an "i". The "pol" and "mer" elements derive from Greek roots meaning "many" and "part", respectively. The IPA phonetic transcription accurately represents the pronunciation of the word, with each symbol representing a distinct sound in the English language.
DNA polymerization is the enzymatic process by which individual deoxyribonucleotides are sequentially added to a growing DNA molecule. It is an essential step in DNA replication, repair, and recombination. The process is catalyzed by enzymes known as DNA polymerases. These highly specialized proteins utilize a single-stranded DNA template and a pool of deoxyribonucleotides (dATP, dGTP, dCTP, and dTTP) to synthesize a complementary daughter strand.
The DNA polymerization reaction involves three main steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. Initiation begins when the DNA polymerase recognizes a specific DNA sequence called the origin of replication, where it attaches to the template strand. Once attached, the polymerase begins elongation, adding deoxyribonucleotides one at a time to the growing DNA chain, following the template strand's sequence. This process occurs in the 5' to 3' direction, meaning new nucleotides are added to the 3' end of the growing DNA strand. Elongation continues until it reaches the end of the DNA template or encounters a termination signal.
DNA polymerization is a highly accurate and efficient process. DNA polymerases possess proofreading mechanisms that can detect and correct errors during the synthesis. They can also repair mismatched base pairs and remove damaged nucleotides to maintain the integrity of the DNA strand. Overall, DNA polymerization is a fundamental process that ensures the faithful duplication of genetic information in all living organisms.
The word "DNA polymerization" originates from the combination of three components: "DNA", "polymer", and "-ization".
- DNA: DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of all living organisms. The term DNA was coined in 1948, an abbreviation of "Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid", reflecting its chemical structure.
- Polymer: The term "polymer" comes from the Greek words "poly", meaning "many", and "meros", meaning "part". It refers to a large molecule made up of repeating subunits called monomers. In the context of DNA polymerization, polymer refers to the process of adding monomers (building blocks) to form a long chain of DNA.