When describing the structure of the DNA double helix, Watson and Crick (1) wrote,“It has
not escaped our notice that the specific pairing we have postulated immediately suggests a
possible copying mechanism for the genetic material.” Fifty years later, interest in the fidelity
of DNA copying mechanisms remains high because the balance between correct and
incorrect DNA synthesis is relevant to a great deal of biology. High fidelity DNA synthesis is
beneficial for maintaining genetic information over many generations and for avoiding …