Structure of large fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I complexed with dTMP.

The 3.3-A resolution crystal structure of the large proteolytic fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I complexed with deoxythymidine monophosphate consists of two domains, the smaller of which binds zinc-deoxythymidine monophosphate. The most striking feature of the larger domain is a deep crevice of the appropriate size and shape for binding double-stranded B-DNA. A flexible subdomain may allow the enzyme to surround completely the DNA substrate, thereby allowing processive nucleotide polymerization without enzyme dissociation.