Final answer:
The specialized enzyme that plays a role in SOS repair is called DNA polymerase V.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specialized enzyme that plays a role in SOS repair is called DNA polymerase V.
SOS repair is a DNA repair mechanism that is activated when DNA damage is severe and normal repair mechanisms are overwhelmed. DNA polymerase V is an error-prone enzyme that can replicate damaged DNA, allowing for the survival of the cell.
For example, when a replication fork encounters a thymine dimer, which is a common form of DNA damage caused by UV radiation, SOS repair is activated and DNA polymerase V synthesizes DNA across the damaged region, bypassing the thymine dimer and allowing replication to continue.