Nonessential DNA polymerase. Required for DNA damage induced mutagenesis. Involved in DNA repair, mitochondrial DNA repair and translesion synthesis. Translesion synthesis in S.cerevisiae may use a specialized DNA polymerase that is not required for other DNA replicative processes. Has a role in the bypass of abasic (AP) sites. Highly inefficient in incorporating nucleotides opposite the AP site, but efficiently extends from nucleotides, particularly an A, inserted opposite the lesion. a 2'-deoxyribonucleoside 5'-triphosphate + DNA(n) = diphosphate + DNA(n+1) Binds 1 [4Fe-4S] cluster. Forms DNA polymerase zeta with REV7. The CysB motif binds 1 4Fe-4S cluster and is required for the formation of polymerase complexes. Belongs to the DNA polymerase type-B family.