Unique requirements for template primers of DNA polymerase beta from rat ascites hepatoma AH130 cells.

The optimal condition for the rat DNA polymerase beta activity with (rA)n . (dT)12-18 as a template-primer was determined. The activity was remarkably affected by the concentration of the primer, (dT)12-18' and the mixing ratio of (dT)12-18 to (rA)n. DNA polymerase beta requires higher primer concentration (Km = 11.1 microM with respect to 3'-OH of the primer) than DNA polymerase gamma (Km = 0.04 microM) or oncornaviral DNA polymerase (Km = 0.08 microM) and the enzyme represented the maximum activity in the base ratio of 2:1 with (dT)12-18 and (rA)n suggesting the difference in reaction mechanisms of these enzymes. Under the optimized conditions, the specific activity of the near homogeneous preparation of DNA polymerase beta was 1,000,000 units per mg protein.