flap endonuclease activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the cleavage of a flap structure in DNA, but not other DNA structures; processes the ends of Okazaki fragments in lagging strand DNA synthesis. [GOC:jid]

Flap endonuclease activity is a crucial molecular function involved in DNA replication, repair, and recombination. It refers to the ability of an enzyme, specifically a flap endonuclease, to cleave a single-stranded DNA flap that is displaced during these processes. This flap can be generated by various mechanisms like the 5’ to 3’ exonucleolytic activity of DNA polymerases or the action of other nucleases. The flap endonuclease recognizes and binds to the flap structure and then cleaves the phosphodiester bond between the flap and the 5’ end of the double-stranded DNA. This cleavage removes the flap and allows for the ligation of the two DNA strands, restoring the integrity of the DNA molecule. Flap endonuclease activity plays a significant role in maintaining the stability and integrity of the genome. It is essential for repairing DNA damage, replicating DNA accurately, and ensuring that genetic information is passed on correctly from one generation to the next.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)