What does DNA polymerase do?

DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new strands of DNA during DNA replication. It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, using a DNA template and a primer as a starting point. DNA polymerase specifically catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the added nucleotides, which are complementary to the template DNA strand. While DNA polymerases generally replicate DNA accurately, occasional errors can arise, occurring at a rate of approximately one error per 10^7 nucleotides. Some DNA polymerases possess proofreading capabilities that help correct these errors. When a mismatched base pair is detected, the polymerase slows down and performs repeated hydrolysis reactions on nucleotides until it reaches the error, allowing for correction. This process ensures greater accuracy in DNA replication. Following mismatch repair, the DNA polymerase continues its function.