Poly(dG-dC) in the Z-form inhibits E. coli DNA polymerase I and AMV DNA polymerase activity

The effect of Z-conformation of DNA on its template activity in DNA synthesis reactions in vitro has been studied. Normal poly(dG-dC) in the B-form, brominated and unbrominated in the Z-form have been compared for their template activity in DNA synthesis reactions mediated by AMV DNA polymerase and E. coli DNA polymerase I. The results indicate that poly(dG-dC) in the Z-form is totally inactive as a template for DNA synthesis and further that it is a strong competitive inhibitor of copying of the B-form DNA.