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The Vital Role of dNTPs in DNA Replication

Exploring the Critical Function of Deoxyribonucleotide Triphosphates in DNA Duplication

May 18, 2023

Introduction

DNA replication, the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA prior to cell division, is a fundamental aspect of life. This intricate process ensures genetic continuity and is essential for cell growth, development, and reproduction. Central to DNA replication are deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs), the building blocks of DNA synthesis. In this article, we delve into the crucial role played by dNTPs in the replication of DNA molecules.

The Structure of dNTPs

dNTPs, or deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates, are nucleotides consisting of three phosphate groups, a deoxyribose sugar molecule, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), or guanine (G). Each dNTP serves as a precursor for the synthesis of a complementary strand during DNA replication.

The Function of dNTPs in DNA Replication

During DNA replication, dNTPs are essential for the synthesis of new DNA strands. The process begins with the unwinding of the DNA double helix and the separation of the two strands. DNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for DNA synthesis, then binds to the single-stranded DNA template.

The incorporation of dNTPs into the growing DNA strand occurs in a stepwise manner:

  1. Binding of dNTP to DNA Polymerase: An incoming dNTP binds to the active site of DNA polymerase.
  2. Base Pairing: If the incoming dNTP is complementary to the template DNA base, it forms hydrogen bonds with the template base. For example, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).
  3. Phosphodiester Bond Formation: DNA polymerase catalyzes the formation of a phosphodiester bond between the 3' hydroxyl group of the last nucleotide on the growing DNA strand and the 5' phosphate group of the incoming dNTP.
  4. Extension of the DNA Strand: A new nucleotide is added to the 3' end of the growing DNA strand, and a pyrophosphate molecule (PPi) is released.
  5. Hydrolysis of Pyrophosphate: The released pyrophosphate is hydrolyzed into two inorganic phosphate (Pi) molecules, releasing energy that drives the polymerization reaction forward.

This process continues iteratively, with DNA polymerase adding dNTPs one by one to the growing DNA strand until the entire DNA molecule is replicated.

Importance of Balanced dNTP Supply

Maintaining a balanced and controlled supply of dNTPs is crucial for accurate DNA replication and genomic integrity. Imbalances in dNTP pools can lead to errors in DNA synthesis, which may result in mutations, genomic instability, and ultimately, diseases such as cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dNTPs play a central role in DNA replication, serving as the building blocks for the synthesis of new DNA strands. The stepwise incorporation of dNTPs by DNA polymerase ensures faithful duplication of the genetic material, thereby preserving genetic information and enabling cellular proliferation and organismal development. Understanding the function of dNTPs in DNA replication provides insights into the mechanisms underlying genome maintenance and opens avenues for research in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, and medicine.

Why Choose SBS Genetech dNTPs for PCR?

At SBS Genetech, we recognize the pivotal role that dNTPs play in molecular biology experiments, particularly in PCR reactions, where they serve as essential keystones. The efficiency and accuracy of PCR amplification hinge directly upon the quality and concentration of dNTPs. It's with this understanding that we've meticulously crafted our molecular biology grade dNTPs, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Quality Assurance Beyond Measure

Our commitment to excellence drives us to subject our dNTPs to rigorous testing and verification processes. Through meticulous quality control measures, we guarantee that our dNTPs exhibit purity levels of up to 99% as assessed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This purity, coupled with the absence of contaminants such as RNase and DNase, makes our dNTPs ideal for a myriad of molecular biology applications.

Trusted by Researchers, Cited in Literature

The efficacy of our dNTPs is not merely a claim but a testament backed by the trust of countless researchers worldwide. Widely employed in diverse molecular biology research endeavors, our dNTPs have become indispensable tools for scientists striving for precision and reproducibility in their experiments. Moreover, their reliability is underscored by their frequent citation in related literature, further solidifying their reputation as a gold standard in the field.

Features Designed for Excellence

Our dNTPs boast features designed to empower researchers and elevate their work:

  • Ultra-Pure Composition: With purity levels exceeding 99% as verified by HPLC, our dNTPs ensure the integrity of molecular biology experiments, delivering reliable and consistent results.
  • Available in Convenient Formats: Whether as a ready-to-use mix or individual components, our dNTPs offer flexibility to suit diverse experimental needs, providing convenience without compromising quality.

Versatile Applications, Uncompromising Performance

The versatility of our dNTPs extends across a spectrum of molecular biology applications, including but not limited to:

  • PCR and qPCR
  • cDNA synthesis
  • Primer extension
  • DNA sequencing
  • DNA labeling
  • Mutagenesis

Storage Recommendations for Longevity

To preserve the integrity and stability of our dNTPs, proper storage conditions are imperative. We recommend storing them at -70°C for infrequent use or -20°C for daily or weekly use, guarding against freeze-thaw cycles that could compromise product stability.

Empowering Your Research Journey

At SBS Genetech, we're not just providers of dNTPs; we're partners in your research journey. Committed to facilitating scientific advancement, we strive to equip researchers with the highest quality tools to unlock new discoveries and drive innovation. Trust in SBS Genetech dNTPs to power your pursuit of scientific excellence.

Explore Our Comprehensive Product Range

Beyond dNTPs, we offer a comprehensive range of Ribonucleotides and Deoxynucleotides to cater to diverse research needs. For inquiries or to place an order, please reach out to tech@sbsbio.com.

In conclusion, SBS Genetech dNTPs stand as a beacon of quality, reliability, and precision in molecular biology research, empowering scientists to push the boundaries of knowledge and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries.

 

Featured Citations

Interested in seeing published research using our dNTPs?

Visualized RNA detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a closed tube by coupling RT-PCR with nested invasive reaction

Analyst | 4 Jan 2023 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d2an01679f

The 20 μL reaction mixtures of the assay contained 1× visualized closed-tube PCR buffer (10 mM Tris–HCl (pH 8.5), 7.5 mM MgCl2·6H2O, 30 mM NaCl, 0.05% NP-40, 0.05% Tween-20), 50 U HiScript II reverse transcriptase, 0.25 mM dNTPs (SBS Genetech Co. Ltd, Beijing, China), 0.5 μM forward primer, 0.5 μM reverse primer, 0.25 U GoTaq DNA polymerase (Promega, Beijing, China), 3.5% PEG8000 (BSK Technology Co. Ltd, Nanjing, China), 0.1 μM UP, 0.4 μM DP, 0.2 μM hairpin probe, 100 ng of FEN1 endonuclease (prepared in our laboratory.

CRISPR/Cas genome editing perspectives for barley breeding

Psysiologia Plantarum | 22 Apr 2022 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.13686

Primers for sgRNA of eIF4E genes were selected with WhU6 promoter region for amplification of a 362-base pair fragment: F 5′-GACCAAGCCCGTTATTCTGAC-3′, R 5′-AAGTCTGATGCAGCAAGCGAG-3′; for the region including Cas9 with the promoter: F 5′-GCTCCTGGTCCATCCACG-3′, R 5′-CGTG-GATGGACCAGGAGC-3′; for hptII: F 5′-GCTGCGCCGATGGTTTCTACA-3′, R 5′-GCCCAAAGCATCAGCTCATCG. The recommended amplification mixture contained 5 mg of the DNA template (Applied Biosystems); 2.5 mM MgCl2; 250 μM dNTPs (Beijing SBS Genetech Co., Ltd.)

Femtomolar and locus-specific detection of N6-methyladenine in DNA by integrating double-hindered replication and nucleic acid-functionalized MB@Zr-MOF

Journal of Nanobiotechnology | 7 Dec 2021 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-021-01156-0

Klenow Fragment DNA polymerase (3′ → 5′ exo−), 10 × Klenow buffer (500 mM Tris–HCl, 50 mM MgCl2 and 10 mM DTT, pH 7.9), and 10 × CutSmart™ buffer (20 mM Tris–acetate, 500 mM potassium acetate, 10 mM magnesium acetate and 100 µg/mL BSA, pH 7.9) were obtained from New England Biolabs (Beijing, China). GoldView I, 20 bp DNA marker, and dATPs, dTTPs, dCTPs and dGTPs were purchased from SBS Genetech Co., Ltd., (Beijing, China)

Multiplex Visualized Closed-Tube PCR with Hamming Distance 2 Code for 15 HPV Subtype Typing

Anal. Chem. | 22 Mar 2021 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00035

Reagents included GoTaq Hot Start Polymerase (Taq DNA polymerase) (Promega), flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) prepared in our laboratory as described previously, (19) deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) (SBS Genetech Co., Ltd., China)

An integrated electrochemical biosensor based on target-triggered strand displacement amplification and “four-way” DNA junction towards ultrasensitive detection of PIK3CA gene mutation

Biosensors and Bioelectronics | 15 Feb 2020 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2019.111954

NsbI restriction enzyme, Klenow Fragment (KF) (3′→5′exo-), Nb.BbvCI, 10 × Klenow buffer (500 mM Tris-HCl, 50 mM MgCl2 and 10 mM DTT, pH 7.9) and 10 × CutSmart™ buffer (20 mM Tris-acetate, 500 mM potassium acetate, 10 mM magnesium acetate and 100 μg/mL BSA, pH 7.9) were obtained from New England Biolabs (Beijing, China). GoldViewⅠ, DNA marker and dNTP were purchased from SBS Genetech Co., Ltd (Beijing, China)

Sequence-encoded quantitative invader assay enables highly sensitive hepatitis B virus DNA quantification in a single tube without the use of a calibration curve

Royal Society of Chemistry | 8 Aug 2019 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/c9an00970a

A virus RNA/DNA Extraction Kit was purchased from Xi'an Tianlong Science and Technology Co., Ltd (Xi'an, China), deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) were obtained from SBS Genetech Co., Ltd (Beijing, China)

Dual cycle amplification and dual signal enhancement assisted sensitive SERS assay of MicroRNA

Analytical Biochemistry | 1 Jan 2019 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ab.2018.10.004

Klenow fragment of E.coli DNA polymerase and nicking endonuclease (NEase) were purchased from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Waltham, MA, USA). BEAS-2B cells was purchased from GeFan Biotechnology.Go.,Ltd (Shanghai, China). Cell lysis buffer was purchased from Sangon Biotech (Shanghai, China). The mixture of four dNTPs (10 mM for each component) was purchased from SBS Genetech Co., Ltd. (Beijing, China).