What characterizes DNA Pol I in terms of processivity?

DNA Polymerase I (DNA Pol I) is known for its low processivity, which refers to the ability of an enzyme to continuously synthesize DNA without dissociating from the template strand. Unlike other DNA polymerases that have high processivity and can add thousands of nucleotides in a single binding event, DNA Pol I primarily functions in a more limited capacity.

This lower processivity is largely due to its role in DNA repair and lagging strand synthesis. DNA Pol I is primarily responsible for removing RNA primers and filling in the gaps with DNA during replication. Since it frequently disassociates from the DNA template after inserting only a limited number of nucleotides, it exhibits a lower overall processivity compared to other polymerases, such as DNA Pol III, which can add nucleotides in a more efficient and continuous manner.

Understanding this characteristic is crucial for appreciating the distinct functions of various DNA polymerases during processes like replication and repair, as well as the cellular mechanisms that ensure DNA integrity.