Abstract

DNA polymerases which duplicate cellular chromosomes are multiprotein complexes. The individual functions of the many proteins required to duplicate a chromosome are not fully understood. The multiprotein complex which duplicates the Escherichia coli chromosome, DNA polymerase III holoenzyme (holoenzyme), contains a DNA polymerase subunit and nine accessory proteins. This report summarizes our current understanding of the individual functions of the accessory proteins within the holoenzyme, lending insight into why a chromosomal replicase needs such a complex structure.