Purification and DNA synthesis in cell-free extracts: properties of DNA polymerase II.

The major DNA-synthesizing enzyme present in Pol A(1) (-)Escherichia coli (DNA polymerase II) has been purified to homogeneity as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme requires all four deoxynucleoside triphosphates, Mg(++), NH(4) (+), and native DNA for maximal activity. The enzyme activity is sensitive to sulfhydryl reagents and is insensitive to anti-DNA polymerase I antiserum. A second DNA-synthesizing enzyme, present in low amounts, has been identified in Pol A(1) (-) extracts. The relationship of this enzyme to DNA polymerases I and II is discussed.