Polymerases

DNA Polymerases and RNA Polymerases are a class of enzymes that polymerize or extend chains of DNA and RNA, respectively. As enzymes responsible for maintaining the essence of life, they play a central role in molecular biology and genetics. The first representative polymerase, the E. coli DNA Polymerase I, was first discovered by Kornberg in 1955. RNA Polymerase was discovered soon after in 1960 by Loe, Stevens and Hurwitz. Since then we have increased our repertoire of various polymerases and their applications, especially with the advent of the polymerase chain reaction and the development of thermostable polymerases. Taq polymerase is now a household name within molecular biology, paving the way for various PCR techniques. Building on Taq, Pfu DNA Polymerase has a higher thermostability and fidelity, at the cost of slower processivity. Tth DNA Polymerase has intrinsic reverse transcriptase activity making it ideal for single tube RT-PCR applications. Several other polymerases like the Klenow fragment, T7 DNA Polymerase, Bst Polymerase, and Sequenase have found uses for applications like sequencing, cloning, and nucleic acid labeling. For RNA synthesis, the T7 RNA Polymerase and Poly(A) Polymerase have become standard tools. Accelerate the processivity your research and with the polymerase that is right for you.