Which enzyme unzips the DNA double helix?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific enzyme responsible for unwinding or unzipping the DNA double helix during DNA replication. This process is crucial for allowing the strands to separate and serve as templates for new strand synthesis.
Answer
DNA helicase
The final answer is DNA helicase
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is DNA helicase
More Information
DNA helicase is essential for DNA replication as it unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between nucleotide base pairs.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse DNA helicase with other enzymes like DNA polymerase or RNA polymerase, which have different functions.
Sources
- Homework Study - What enzyme unzips the DNA double helix? - homework.study.com
- The unzipping enzyme | Protein Data Bank in Europe - ebi.ac.uk
- High School Biology : DNA Replication - Varsity Tutors - varsitytutors.com