ATPase Site Architecture and Helicase Mechanism - Essay Example

Studies have also indicated that a means of communication takes place between the N-terminal and the C-terminal region of archaeal MCM complexes, aiding in the overall high level of conservation possessed by the complex. The beta-7 and beta-8 regions of the N-terminal are composed of highly conservative amino acid similarities, which additionally accounts for the conservative nature of the MCM protein. Although it has been mentioned that MCM proteins are largely responsible for DNA replication and helicase activity, studies indicate as well that the MCM proteins are what not only “unzip” dsDNA prior to replication but also maintain a separation between the two strands once bound together, in order to efficiently perform DNA replication and synthesis without ssDNA sticking to one another.

An equally important structure, similar to MCM proteins and relavant to this topic is the GINS complex. It is necessary to touch on the function of the GINS complex when examining functions and structure of the MCM complex. The GINS complex is composed of 4 protein subunits known as paralogues. Like the MCM complex, the GINS complex is integral in DNA replication initiation and synthesis. The GINS complex works in partnership with Cdc45 (cell division control 45) in regulating the process of recruitment of DNA polymerase (pol and ) to the site of initiation and elongation.

The GINS complex is also fundamental in genome duplication as shown in most vertebrates. Additional studies have indicated that the GINS complex, along with MCM proteins and Cdc45 (as well as check point factors) are all involved at replisome at paused DNA replication forks. This indicates that the human GINS complex is an equally important part of DNA replication and synthesis, to the MCM protein complex. Even more recent studies indicate that the GINS complex is present with MCM proteins 2-7 at the progressing replication fork.

At this time,