Why do DNA polymerases only synthesise DNA in one direction?

Subject: Why do DNA polymerases only synthesise DNA in one direction?

Date: Sat Nov 4 08:51:17 2006
Posted by Alex
Grade level: undergrad School: Oxford University
City: Oxford State/Province: No state entered. Country: No country entered.
Area of science: Evolution
ID: 1162655477.Ev

Message:


I know synthesis only goes 5' to 3' but why?  No-one seems to have the 
answer.  Why isn't there a polymerase that can synthesise DNA 3' to 5' thus 
saving effort ligating Okazaki fragments.  Surely it would be faster?

Re: Why do DNA polymerases only synthesise DNA in one direction?

Current Queue | Current Queue for Evolution | Evolution archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Evolution.