rnhA
Function
Endonuclease that specifically degrades the RNA of RNA-DNA hybrids. RNase H participates in DNA replication; it helps to specify the origin of genomic replication by suppressing initiation at origins other than the oriC locus; along with the 5'-3' exonuclease of pol1, it removes RNA primers from the Okazaki fragments of lagging strand synthesis; and it defines the origin of replication for ColE1-type plasmids by specific cleavage of an RNA preprimer. Involved in production of retron derived msDNA (a branched RNA linked by a 2',5'-phosphodiester bond to a single-stranded DNA). Strain K12 / MG1655 does not have retrons, however they can be expressed in this strain which requires this enzyme (tested with retron Ec86) (PubMed:7568472).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the RNase H family.
Cellular localization
- Cytoplasm
Alternative names
dasF, herA, rnh, sdrA, b0214, JW0204, rnhA, Ribonuclease HI, RNase HI, Ribonuclease H, RNase H