Multiple Forms of Nuclear Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerases

1. DNA polymerase from nuclear and supernatant fractions of cultured mouse L929 cells was fractionated on columns of Sephadex G-200, Sepharose 4B and of DEAEcellulose. Several peaks of activity are found on Sephadex chromatography and the distribution of activity between these depends on: (a) the source of the enzyme, i.e. nuclear or supernatant fraction; (b) the mode of extraction of the enzyme from the nucleus; (c) the amount of enzyme applied to the column. 2. The DNA polymerase activity in the lower-molecular-weight peaks (approximate molecular weights are 35000, 70000 and 140000) is firmly bound within the cell nucleus and shows a preference for native DNA as template, whereas the high-molecular-weight peak (peak I, molecular weight 250000 or greater) is found in supernatant fractions and shows greater activity with a denatured DNA template. 3. During periods ofDNA synthesis the high-molecular-weight enzyme becomes more firmly bound within the nucleus. 4. Peak I enzymic activity is relatively unstable and is inhibited by thiol-blocking reagents and deoxycholate, but it is stimulated by univalent cations. 5. Very little endonuclease is present in the polymerase preparations, but a very active exonuclease and nucleoside diphosphokinase are present. On Sephadex chromatography, however, it was shown that the immediate precursors for DNA synthesis, at least by peak I enzyme, are the deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates. 6. Attempts to decrease the molecular weight of the peak I enzyme while still retaining activity failed.