Reverse transcriptase in archaebacteria. Purification and characterization of a primase-reverse-transcriptase complex from Halobacterium halobium

Abstract

A primase-reverse-transcriptase of Halobacterium halobium was purified by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, hydroxyapatite and carboxymethyl-cellulose, followed by sedimentation on a glycerol gradient. The enzyme is a multifunctional enzyme containing reverse transcriptase. DNA polymerase and RNase H activities and does not require a performed primer to initiate DNA synthesis. Using a single-stranded DNA as template, this enzyme synthesizes oligonucleotides (8-12 bases) that can be used a primer by Escherichia coli DNA nucleotidyltransferase I (DNA polymerase I, Klenow fragment). Two polypeptides of 67 and 57 kDa were found after 14750-fold purification of the enzyme.