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Proofreading

Proofreading

Synthesis of new DNA molecules is carried out by the enzyme DNA polymerase, which adds nucleotides on the daughter strand complementary to the template DNA strand. DNA polymerase has a higher affinity to add the correct base and ensures fidelity during DNA replication. Furthermore, it exhibits proofreading activity during replication, using an exonuclease domain that cuts off incorrect nucleotides from the nascent DNA strand.
Errors During Replication are Corrected by the DNA Polymerase Enzyme

Proofreading

Proofreading

Synthesis of new DNA molecules starts when DNA polymerase links nucleotides together in a sequence that is complementary to the template DNA strand. DNA polymerase has a higher affinity for the correct base to ensure fidelity in DNA replication. The DNA polymerase furthermore proofreads during replication, using an exonuclease domain that cuts off incorrect nucleotides from the nascent DNA strand.Errors during Replication Are Corrected by the DNA Polymerase EnzymeGenomic DNA is synthesized in...

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication in Eukaryotes

In eukaryotic cells, DNA replication is highly conserved and tightly regulated. Multiple linear chromosomes must be duplicated with high fidelity before cell division, so there are many proteins that fulfill specialized roles in the replication process. Replication occurs in three phases: initiation, elongation, and termination, and ends with two complete sets of chromosomes in the nucleus.
Many Proteins Orchestrate Replication at the Origin
Eukaryotic replication follows many of the same...

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication in Eukaryotes

In eukaryotic cells, DNA replication is highly conserved and tightly regulated. Multiple linear chromosomes must be duplicated with high fidelity before cell division, so there are many proteins that fulfill specialized roles in the replication process. Replication occurs in three phases: initiation, elongation, and termination, and ends with two complete sets of chromosomes in the nucleus.
Many Proteins Orchestrate Replication at the Origin
Eukaryotic replication follows many of the same...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Proofreading and DNA Repair Assay Using Single Nucleotide Extension and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Proofreading and DNA Repair Assay Using Single Nucleotide Extension and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Published on: June 19, 2018

DNA polymerase proofreading: Multiple roles maintain genome stability.

Linda J Reha-Krantz¹

¹Department of Biological Sciences, CW405 BioSciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E9. Linda.Reha-Krantz@ualberta.ca

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta

|June 24, 2009

Summary

DNA polymerase proofreading acts as a crucial spell-checker, removing errors during DNA replication to maintain genome stability. This process significantly enhances replication fidelity, preventing dangerous mutation loads essential for organism survival.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biochemistry

Background:

DNA polymerase proofreading is a critical error-correcting mechanism.
It removes incorrect nucleotides before DNA synthesis continues, preventing mutations.
This process is vital for maintaining genome stability and preventing disease.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the historical context and fundamental aspects of DNA polymerase proofreading.
To present recent advancements in understanding the proofreading pathway.
To explore roles of DNA polymerase proofreading beyond mismatch correction in genome maintenance.

Main Methods:

Literature review of genetic and biochemical studies.
Analysis of recent research on DNA polymerase proofreading mechanisms.
Discussion of emerging roles in genome stability.

Main Results:

DNA polymerase proofreading improves replication fidelity by approximately 100-fold.
It prevents the accumulation of potentially life-threatening mutation loads.
Recent studies are elucidating novel functions of proofreading in maintaining genome integrity.

Conclusions:

DNA polymerase proofreading is essential for preventing high mutation rates and ensuring organism survival.
Ongoing research reveals broader roles for proofreading in genome stability beyond basic error correction.
Understanding these mechanisms is key to comprehending fundamental biological processes.