-!- The enzyme catalyzes the ligation of DNA strands with 3'-hydroxyl and 5'-phosphate termini, forming a phosphodiester and sealing certain types of single-strand breaks in duplex DNA. -!- Catalysis occurs by a three-step mechanism, starting with the activation of the enzyme by ATP, forming a phosphoramide bond between adenylate and a lysine residue. -!- The adenylate group is then transferred to the 5'-phosphate terminus of the substrate, forming the capped structure 5'-(5'-diphosphoadenosine)-(DNA). -!- Finally, the enzyme catalyzes a nucleophilic attack of the 3'-OH terminus on the capped terminus, which results in formation of the phosphodiester bond and release of the adenylate. -!- RNA can also act as substrate, to some extent. -!- Cf. EC 6.5.1.2, EC 6.5.1.6 and EC 6.5.1.7.