Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
07:55
Visualization of DNA Repair Proteins Interaction by Immunofluorescence
Published on: June 26, 2020
The DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex couples DNA replication, cell-cycle progression and DNA-damage response
M Foiani1, G Lucchini, P Plevani
1Dipartimento di Genetica e di Biologia dei Microrganismi, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy. foianim@imiucca.csi.unimi.it
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|December 16, 1997
Summary
The DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex (pol-prism) initiates DNA synthesis. This essential enzyme plays a dual role in DNA replication, making it crucial for cell-cycle control.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex (pol-prism) is a highly conserved eukaryotic enzyme.
- It is the sole DNA polymerase capable of initiating DNA synthesis de novo.
- Pol-prism is essential for both chromosomal origin replication initiation and Okazaki fragment synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of the DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex in DNA replication.
- To underscore its importance in cell-cycle regulation, specifically S-phase entry and progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of conserved DNA polymerase functions.
- Analysis of the dual roles of pol-prim in eukaryotic DNA replication.
Main Results:
- Pol-prim initiates DNA synthesis at origins and synthesizes Okazaki fragments.
- Its indispensable functions position it as a key regulator in cell-cycle control.
Conclusions:
- The DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex is fundamental for eukaryotic DNA replication initiation and Okazaki fragment synthesis.
- Its central role in these processes suggests it is a significant target for cell-cycle regulatory mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
02:10Translesion DNA Polymerases
Translesion (TLS) polymerases rescue stalled DNA polymerases at sites of damaged bases by replacing the replicative polymerase and installing a nucleotide across the damaged site. Doing so, TLS allows additional time for the cell to repair the damage before resuming regular DNA replication.
TLS polymerases are found in all three domains of life - archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Of the different classes of TLS polymerases, members of the Y family are fitted with specialized structures that...
TLS polymerases are found in all three domains of life - archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Of the different classes of TLS polymerases, members of the Y family are fitted with specialized structures that...
02:36DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
02:31Homologous Recombination
The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...
02:38S-Cdk Initiates DNA Replication
The cell cycle is a series of events leading to DNA duplication followed by the division of cell content to form two daughter cells. The cell cycle progresses in four stages—the cell increases in size (gap 1 or G1-phase), duplicates its DNA (synthesis or S-phase), prepares to divide (gap 2 or G2-phase), and divides (mitosis or M-phase).
Two states at the origin of replication
In eukaryotes, the initiation of replication occurs at many sites on the chromosomes, called the origins of replication.
Two states at the origin of replication
In eukaryotes, the initiation of replication occurs at many sites on the chromosomes, called the origins of replication.
02:36DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
02:38S-Cdk Initiates DNA Replication
The cell cycle is a series of events leading to DNA duplication followed by the division of cell content to form two daughter cells. The cell cycle progresses in four stages—the cell increases in size (gap 1 or G1-phase), duplicates its DNA (synthesis or S-phase), prepares to divide (gap 2 or G2-phase), and divides (mitosis or M-phase).
Two states at the origin of replication
In eukaryotes, the initiation of replication occurs at many sites on the chromosomes, called the origins of replication.
Two states at the origin of replication
In eukaryotes, the initiation of replication occurs at many sites on the chromosomes, called the origins of replication.