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Multiple Choice
Which two classes of enzymes are required for the two-step conversion of cytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in DNA?
A
Ligases and helicases
B
Kinases and phosphatases
C
DNA methyltransferases and TET dioxygenases
D
Proteases and isomerases
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. The question is asking about the enzymatic conversion of cytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in DNA, which involves two distinct steps catalyzed by specific classes of enzymes.
Step 2: Recall the first step in the conversion process. Cytosine is initially methylated to form 5-methylcytosine (5mC). This reaction is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases, which transfer a methyl group to the cytosine base in DNA.
Step 3: Consider the second step in the conversion process. The 5-methylcytosine (5mC) is then oxidized to form 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). This reaction is catalyzed by TET dioxygenases, which use molecular oxygen and cofactors like Fe(II) and α-ketoglutarate to perform the oxidation.
Step 4: Review the roles of the other enzyme classes mentioned in the options. Ligases and helicases are involved in DNA repair and replication, kinases and phosphatases regulate phosphorylation, and proteases and isomerases are involved in protein processing and structural rearrangements. None of these are relevant to the conversion of cytosine to 5hmC.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is DNA methyltransferases and TET dioxygenases, as these are the two enzyme classes directly involved in the two-step conversion of cytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in DNA.