Question

For each of the enzymes listed, write down the information requested:

DNA-dependent DNA polymerase

Type of nucleic acid template:  

Type of nucleic acid produced:

When is enzyme used? Eukaryotic, Prokaryotic and DNA virus DNA replication         

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase

Type of nucleic acid template:

Type of nucleic acid produced:

When is enzyme used? Eukaryotic, Prokaryotic and DNA virus transcription

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

Type of nucleic acid template:

Type of nucleic acid produced:

When is enzyme used? RNA virus replication

Alternative name for enzyme:

RNA-dependent DNA polymerase

Type of nucleic acid template:

Type of nucleic acid produced:

When is enzyme used? Retrovirus replication

Alternative name for enzyme:

Answer 1

DNA-dependent DNA polymerase

Type of nucleic acid template: DNA

Type of nucleic acid produced: DNA

When is enzyme used? Eukaryotic, Prokaryotic and DNA virus DNA replication         

DNA-dependent DNA polymerases have main function of replicating the DNA from an existing DNA. This enzyme takes DNA as a template and adds deoxyribonucleotides to the 3' end of the DNA.

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase

Type of nucleic acid template: DNA

Type of nucleic acid produced: RNA

When is enzyme used? Eukaryotic, Prokaryotic and DNA virus transcription

DNA-dependent RNA polymerases have the function of synthesizing RNA molecules from an existing DNA molecule. This step is called transcription. This enzyme takes a step forward from the DNA towards its expression into protein molecules.

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

Type of nucleic acid template: RNA

Type of nucleic acid produced: RNA

When is enzyme used? RNA virus replication

Alternative name for enzyme: RNA Replicase

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase function to multiply the RNA molecules in a cell. This enzyme mainly functions in the RNA virus where the enzyme increases or replicates its genome i.e, RNA. Its function is exactly like DNA-dependent DNA polymerase.

RNA-dependent DNA polymerase

Type of nucleic acid template: RNA

Type of nucleic acid produced: DNA

When is enzyme used? Retrovirus replication

Alternative name for enzyme: Reverse transcriptase

RNA-dependent DNA polymerase mainly functions to synthesize DNA molecules from RNA. This enzyme takes RNA as template by its reverse transcriptase activity produces DNA. This enzyme is mainly seen in retroviruses.