Enzymology of DNA in replication in prokaryotes

Abstract

This review stresses recent developments in the in vitro study of DNA replication in prokaryotes. New insights into the enzymological mechanisms of initiation and elongation of leading and lagging strand DNA synthesis in ongoing studies are emphasized. Data from newly developed systems, such as those replicating oriC containing DNA or which are dependent on the lambda, O, and P proteins, are presented and the information compared to existing mechanisms. Evidence bearing on the coupling of DNA synthesis on both parental strands through protein-protein interactions and on the turnover of the elongation systems are analyzed. The structure of replication origins, and how their tertiary structure affects recognition and interaction with the various replication proteins is discussed.