DNA and RNA polymerases

Polymerases are enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of long chains of nucleic acids. This chapter focuses on DNA and RNA polymerases expressed in different organisms, which assemble DNA and RNA molecules (respectively) by copying a nucleic acid template through Watson-Crick base-pairing interactions. These enzymes are crucial in cell and microorganism reproduction and are long being considered as valuable targets in the design of drugs for human diseases including cancer and infections (either from viruses or bacteria). Here, a general overview of functional and structural features of DNA and RNA polymerases is provided, along with a description of the most relevant examples of targeting drugs.