What are the differences between DNA ligase and DNA polymerase?

Basis of differentiation

DNA ligase

DNA polymerase

Definition

DNA ligase is an enzyme that facilitates the linking of DNA fragments by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides

DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for building new strands of DNA by adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain

Requirements

DNA polymerase relies on magnesium ions and cofactors like ATP or NAD+ to function effectively

DNA polymerase relies on a template strand, primers, nucleotides, and magnesium ions to function correctly

Function in DNA replication

DNA ligase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in DNA replication by joining together the Okazaki fragments formed during the process

DNA polymerase is the primary enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during DNA replication

Substrate specificity

Specifically acts on single-stranded DNA nicks or gaps, joining them together

Adds nucleotides to the 3' end of a growing DNA strand based on the complementary base pairing rule

Directionality

Joins DNA fragments together regardless of directionality

Synthesizes DNA exclusively in the 5' to 3' direction