Question

What is the difference between DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase?

Answer 1

DNA polymerase:

1. DNA Polymerases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of DNA during replication.
2. The main types of DNA polymerase in prokaryotes are DNA polymerase I, II, and III, and in eukaryotes are DNA polymerase 𝝳, 𝜶, 𝟄, and 𝝲.

RNA polymerase:

1. RNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of the strand catalyzes, like DNA, RNA must be synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction.
2. Free ribonucleotide triphosphates from the cytoplasm are paired up with their complementary base on the exposed DNA template.
3. RNA polymerase joins the ribonucleoside triphosphates to form an mRNA strand. As RNA polymerase advances, the process continues.

DNA polymerase	RNA polymerase
DNA polymerase catalyses the replication of DNA and produces new DNA strands.	RNA polymerase catalyzes transcription, i.e. synthesis of RNA from DNAcatalyzes
2. It synthesizes ds DNA	2. It synthesizes ss RNA.
3. Requires a primer to begin the replication process	3. Does not require a primer to begin the transcription process.
4. Not capable of initiating a new strand	4. Capable of initiating a new strand
5. Active during S phase of interphase	5. Active during G1 and G2 phases of the growth phase