Pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of a family D DNA polymerase from thermococcus sp. 9°N reveals mechanisms for archaeal genomic replication and maintenance

Abstract

Background: Family D DNA polymerase (polD) is important for replication in most archaea, excluding Crenarchaeota. Results: We report a detailed kinetic characterization of polD nucleotide incorporation, mismatch discrimination, and 3'-5' exonuclease hydrolysis. Conclusion: Despite evolutionary divergence, polD kinetic pathways share similarities to other DNA polymerase families. Significance: This work contributes to unifying our understanding of DNA polymerase function.