Beryllium-induced misincorporation by a DNA polymerase: A possible factor in beryllium toxicity

Abstract

Divalent beryllium increases misincorporation during polymerization of poly-d(A-T) by Micrococcus luteus DNA polymerase. The effect is associated with a strong inhibition of the 3′-5′ exonuclease (editing) activity of the enzyme by beryllium relative to the polymerase activity. Possible connections between these results and the toxicity of beryllium are discussed. © 1975 Academic Press, Inc.