Sliding clamp

Definition

A sliding clamp is a protein complex that encircles DNA and anchors DNA polymerase to the template strand during replication. Its primary function is to increase the efficiency and processivity of DNA synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In prokaryotes, the sliding clamp is called the beta-clamp.
2. The sliding clamp forms a ring structure around DNA, allowing the polymerase to move along without detaching.
3. It interacts with other proteins involved in DNA replication, such as primase and helicase.
4. The assembly of the sliding clamp onto DNA requires a clamp loader complex.
5. Mutations in genes encoding sliding clamps can lead to defects in DNA replication and cell division.

Review Questions

Related terms

DNA Polymerase III: The main enzyme responsible for synthesizing new strands of DNA in prokaryotes.

Clamp Loader Complex: A protein complex that loads the sliding clamp onto DNA.

Primase: An enzyme that synthesizes short RNA primers needed for initiating DNA synthesis.