The effects of organic solvents on Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III

The polymerizing ability of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III is enhanced by a variety of water-miscible organic solvents of which dimethyl sulfoxide at 17% (v/v) is the most effective tested. The extent of stimulation depends on the organic solvent used and its concentration, but shows no obvious correlation with the chemical structure of the solvent or its dielectric constant. Kinetic studies indicate that the mechanism of stimulation is complex.