DNA Ligase
DNA Ligase plays an extremely important biological function. This enzyme has the responsibility of joining strands of DNA together, and is therefore essential to life and reproduction. The role of DNA ligase is most often to play its key part in DNA replication, in which it combines multiple strands of DNA by forming bonds known as phosphodiester bonds, using AMP. In addition, DNA Ligase repairs breaks between strands of DNA, and does this by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds just as it does during the DNA replication process. These bonds are created when two hydroxyl groups in phosphoric acid form two ester bonds. Phosphodiester bonds are essential in DNA and RNA as they create the backbone between nucleic acids which form them.
DNA ligase’s structure is what allows it to function as it does. DNA ligase contains an AMP nucleotide attached to the active site of DNA ligase that is transferred to the phosphate group within the enzyme and bonded to it. This bond can then be broken up to form three OH bonds and release the AMP. After this is done ATP must be added to complete the role of DNA ligase bonding the strands of DNA. The tertiary structure of DNA ligase is what allows it to function as it does. The side chain containing AMP allows it to form phosphodiester bonds.
Pictured above is DNA ligase. Its overall structure is essential to its functionality as an enzyme in the DNA construction process. It works best in cold environments as two strands of DNA must stay with the ligase long enough for the chemical bonds to be made, and heat would both denature this enzyme’s structure on its tertiary level and speed up the DNA molecules to a higher rate of movement.
The picture above indicates the location of AMP, the part of the molecule crucial in the formation of the phosphodiester bonds that connect the strands of DNA after energy has been added to the ligase.
The focus of this picture is the binding channel, in which both strands of DNA must go through in order to be bound by the ligase. The binding channel is the ring depicted towards the center of the photo.
In the first paragraph I would explain what AMP is as well as the specific bonds you mentioned. You did a very good job of explaining its function and structure. Good choice of pictures and good explanations.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I also feel that that should be added to enhance the explan of this enzyme.
DeleteElaborate the explanation of the last image a little bit more and mention the domains, i.e. Alpha-Helix/Beta-pleated etc. Other than that everything else looks good.
ReplyDeleteValid point I feel that would be very useful, Thanks.
DeleteI think that the pictures you chose to represent your protein fit well with what you were discussing. Good job.
ReplyDeleteThank you :).
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ReplyDeleteI think you did a really good job explaining your protein. I was able to clearly understand what its structure and function was. Good detail on the pictures.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures you used was very well pick it was a good idea for you to zoom in on the important parts of the protein which is smart because by looking at the overall picture it would be hard to identify.
ReplyDeleteI also liked how you explained the pictures in great detail overall a good presentation.
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