title: Structure-specific DNA cleavage by 5' nucleases.
abstract: Many processes, such as DNA replication, recombination and repair, produce branched DNA structures. These bifurcated molecules are trimmed by a group of homologous 5'-3' exonucleases (also known as 5' nucleases) in structure-specific cleavage reactions. X-ray crystallographical and biochemical studies suggest that ssDNA substrates become threaded through the 5'-3' exonucleases, where hydrolysis is effected with the aid of divalent metal cations.
authors.affiliation: Celltech Therapeutics, Slough, Berkshire, UK.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Ceska
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Sayers
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D020134:Catalytic Domain / Q000235:genetics; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004261:DNA Replication; D005090:Exodeoxyribonucleases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
chemical_list: D004247:DNA; D005090:Exodeoxyribonucleases