Final answer:
DNA polymerase V (pol V), encoded by the umuD'2C gene, functions as an SOS repair enzyme in the Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) mechanism, particularly during the bacterial SOS response to extensive DNA damage like pyrimidine dimers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The SOS repair enzyme encoded by the umuD'2C gene is known as DNA polymerase V (pol V). This enzyme plays a vital role in the SOS response to DNA damage in bacteria. During DNA repair processes such as the Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER), DNA pol V can synthesize DNA across damaged regions, including areas containing pyrimidine dimers caused by ultraviolet light. In E. coli, for example, NER involves the removal of larger damaged DNA segments, followed by filling in the missing nucleotides by DNA pol I and sealing of the gaps by DNA ligase.
Key Processes Involving DNA pol V:
Nucleotide excision repair: It addresses helix-distorting damages like thymine dimers.
SOS response: A cellular process activated in response to significant DNA damage.
DNA synthesis over damaged areas: DNA pol V can synthesize past lesions that regular polymerases cannot handle.