Manipulations of DNA often require the addition of magnesium. Why?
Active sites of RNA polymerases contain 2 metal ions. Usually, but not necessarily, these ions are Mg ions. One Mg ion performs deprotonation of 3' OH group of the terminal nucleotide, allowing it to attack phosphate bond within the NTP (nucleoside triphosphate). This results in phosphodiester bond formation and release of pyrophosphate. The other Mg ion has a role in stabilization of the transition state, and neutralisation of the negative charge on the leaving pyrophosphate group.
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