DNA polymerase that functions in several pathways of DNA repair ( , ). Involved in base excision repair (BER) responsible for repair of lesions that give rise to abasic (AP) sites in DNA (, ). Also contributes to DNA double-strand break repair by non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination ( ). Has both template-dependent and template-independent (terminal transferase) DNA polymerase activities (  , ). Has also a 5'-deoxyribose-5-phosphate lyase (dRP lyase) activity (, ).
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Chromosome
Accumulates at sites of DNA damage.
Expressed in a number of tissues. Abundant in testis.