DNA synthesis from diphosphate substrates by DNA polymerases.

The activity of DNA polymerase underlies numerous biotechnologies, cell division, and therapeutics, yet the enzyme remains incompletely understood. We demonstrate that both thermostable and mesophilic DNA polymerases readily utilize deoxyribonucleoside diphosphates (dNDPs) for DNA synthesis and inorganic phosphate for the reverse reaction, that is, phosphorolysis of DNA. For Taq DNA polymerase, the s of the dNDP and phosphate substrates are ∼20 and 200 times higher than for dNTP and pyrophosphate, respectively.

Highly efficient formation of nitriles and alkoxy radicals from N-alkoxybenziminoyl chlorides in solution.

A series of N-alkoxybenziminoyl chlorides were synthesized and reacted with tributyltin hydride in the presence of AIBN to generate the corresponding N-alkoxybenziminoyl radicals. This methodology successfully generates the desired radicals, which undergo a rapid and highly efficient beta-scission reaction, as shown by the formation of the corresponding nitriles and products derived from alkoxy radicals. The intermediate N-alkoxybenziminoyl radical could not be trapped by employing high concentrations of Bu(3)SnH or by using a hydrogen atom donating solvent such as toluene.