On the Copying of DNA in the RNA Polymerase Reaction

Excerpt

The reaction by which RNA polymerase catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template can be summarized by the equation:

[Graphics Excised]

This enzyme is ubiquitous, and considerable evidence has accumulated for the following properties of this reaction (for a general review see Hurwitz and August, 1963):

1. The overall stoichiometry is as depicted in the above equation.

2. The reaction is reversible, since a DNA-dependent PP³² exchange can take place.

3. The reaction utilizes denatured, single-stranded, and native DNA as templates. It is also primed by small oligodeoxynucleotides, though native DNA appears to lead to more extensive RNA synthesis than polynucleotides. Recent studies from a number of laboratories indicate that RNA can also prime the reaction (Nakamoto and Weiss, 1962; Krakow and Ochoa, 1963).

4. An important characteristic of the RNA polymerase reaction is that RNA base composition is dictated by the base composition of DNA used