Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011877",
  "term": "Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A specialized DNA polymerase that catalyzes the template-independent addition of deoxynucleotides to the 3'-hydroxyl terminus of a DNA molecule. This enzyme, abbreviated TdT, is expressed in immature B and T lymphocytes during their development. Its function is to insert random 'N-nucleotides' at the junctions between V, D, and J gene segments during V(D)J recombination, thereby generating junctional diversity and greatly expanding the antigen receptor repertoire.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "diversity gene",
    "joining gene",
    "T-cell receptor",
    "variable gene"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1251 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase/"
}