Description
Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) is an endonuclease that digests single- and double-stranded DNA and chromatin (reaction rate is restricted by DNA association with histones). It functions by hydrolyzing phosphodiester bonds, producing mono and oligoribonucleotides with a 5′-phosphate and a 3′-hydroxyl group. Its activity depends on Ca²⁺ and is activated by Mg²⁺ or Mn²⁺. DNase I with Mg²⁺ cleaves randomly double-stranded DNA at any site. DNase I with Mn²⁺ cleaves two DNA strands at approximately the same site to form sticky ends with 1-2 nucleotide overhangs or blunt ends.
