What role does helicase play in DNA replication?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific function of helicase during the process of DNA replication. The question provides multiple-choice answers regarding what helicase does, guiding us to identify its correct role.
Answer
Helicase unwinds and separates DNA strands during replication.
DNA helicase is an enzyme that unwinds and separates the two strands of DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds between them, forming a replication fork. This unzipping is crucial for allowing replication proteins and enzymes access to the DNA for replication.
Answer for screen readers
DNA helicase is an enzyme that unwinds and separates the two strands of DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds between them, forming a replication fork. This unzipping is crucial for allowing replication proteins and enzymes access to the DNA for replication.
More Information
Helicase is critical for DNA replication because it makes the DNA strands accessible for other enzymes to synthesize new DNA strands. Without helicase, the DNA double helix would remain intact and prevent replication.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing helicase with DNA polymerase, another enzyme involved in replication, which synthesizes new DNA strands rather than unwinding them.
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