| abstract |
Purified thermostable DNA ligase is described that catalyzes template-dependent ligation at temperatures of about 30 DEG C. to about 80 DEG C., and which substantially retains its catalytic ability when subjected to temperatures of from about 85 DEG C. to about 100 DEG C. The thermostable DNA ligase has an estimated molecular weight of 50,000 to 70,000 daltons. A preferred thermostable DNA ligase is described that was isolated from the archaebacteria Pyrococcus furiosus. Also described are plasmid vectors for producing recombinant thermostable DNA ligase. |