Biochemistry Questions Biochemistry Questions / Explain the significance of the third metal ion in DNA polymerase activity and its potential impact on polymerase fidelity. How does the presence of this ion affect the stability of PPi during nucleotide incorporation?

The third metal ion, present in some DNA polymerases, does not have a well understood function. It is likely that, as methods to study mechanisms develop, the function of this transient third metal ion will become apparent. It has been postulated by some scientists that the third metal ion has different functions in different polymerases. This is an area of active research.

PPi stabilisation is done in polymerases with 2 metal ions, so is not dependent on the presence of a third metal ion (at least based on the current understanding).