As a researcher investigating structure-function questions about DNA polymerase,

Question

As a researcher investigating structure-function questions about DNA polymerase, you are interested in isolating E. coil mutants with altered DNA polymerase function and then identifying the amino acids altered in the mutants. Based on our current understanding;of DNA polymerase function, predict what kind of amino acid/gross structural changes in DNA polymerase will cause the following mutant phenotypes you observe in your cells: The mutant DNA polymerase: is able to incorporate rNTPs and dNTPs into new strand looses all - shows only one reaction per binding has trouble "catching" new dNTPs - they touch down but often detach again is much more error prone than normal DNA polymerase can't form a new bond

Explanation / Answer

Mutant DNA Polymerase cant form a new phosphodiester bond so new strand cannot be synthesised. This is the main difference between normal DNA polymerase and mutant DNA polymerase.

Incorporation of rNTPs and dNTPs occurs only after the proper formation of the backbone of the DNA (Phosphodiester backbone).

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