DNA Ligase - Ligase Mechanism

Ligase Mechanism

The mechanism of DNA ligase is to form two covalent phosphodiester bonds between 3' hydroxyl ends of one nucleotide, ("acceptor") with the 5' phosphate end of another ("donor"). ATP is required for the ligase reaction, which proceeds in three steps:

1. adenylation (addition of AMP) of a residue in the active center of the enzyme, pyrophosphate is released;
2. transfer of the AMP to the 5' phosphate of the so-called donor, formation of a pyrophosphate bond;
3. formation of a phosphodiester bond between the 5' phosphate of the donor and the 3' hydroxyl of the acceptor.

Ligase will also work with blunt ends, although higher enzyme concentrations and different reaction conditions are required.