Complex biological systems can be described as a network of chemical processes that take place in molecules. The scientists of the “ChemLife” research initiative at the University of Konstanz are working together in an equally active network with dynamic interconnections—both subject-specific and interdisciplinary. Recent insights into DNA polymerases acquired through interdisciplinary cooperation between organic chemistry, biochemistry, structural biology and theoretical chemistry show just how productive and mutually inspiring the interaction of biological and chemical know-how can be. These new findings at the molecular level of polymerases can be used for genome sequencing and other areas of molecular biology-based diagnostics. The research results were published on 17 September 2018 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).