DNA Replication Fidelity

When describing the structure of the DNA double helix, Watson and Crick (1Watson J.D. Crick F.H.C. Nature. 1953; 171: 737-738Crossref PubMed Scopus (8554) Google Scholar) wrote, "It has not escaped our notice that the specific pairing we have postulated immediately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material." Fifty years later, interest in the fidelity of DNA copying mechanisms remains high because the balance between correct and incorrect DNA synthesis is relevant to a great deal of biology. High fidelity DNA synthesis is beneficial for maintaining genetic information over many generations and for avoiding mutations that can initiate and promote human diseases such as cancer and…