Taq DNA polymerase - how can microbes affoard an error-making enzyme? (Jan/21/2011 )

This might appear a foolish question
It is well-known that taq DNA polymerase makes errors during PCR, the reason for which proof reading enzymes like Pfu DNA polymerase are preferred. How can the bacteria compensate the errors made by Taq polemerase as compared those harboring proofreading enzymes? Is it that Thermus aquaticus has other proofreading enzymes and that pyrococus species having Pfu doesn't need such enzymes?

In harsh environments a high evolutionary rate is an advantage as the bacteria can evolve to suit the changing conditions faster. For this reason Taq is actually an advantage for the species.

bob1 on Sat Jan 22 08:54:14 2011 said:

Thanks for giving it a thought bob
But when we for instance compare between Thermus aquaticus and Pyrococus furiosus which both are extremophiles, how can such difference be explained?