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Multiple Choice
In the process of DNA replication, which enzyme acts first to unwind the DNA helix?
A
Primase
B
DNA Polymerase
C
Ligase
D
Helicase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication, which involves unwinding the DNA double helix to allow each strand to be copied.
Identify the role of each enzyme involved in DNA replication: Helicase, Primase, DNA Polymerase, and Ligase.
Recognize that Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the DNA helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs.
Note that once the DNA is unwound by Helicase, Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer to provide a starting point for DNA Polymerase.
Remember that DNA Polymerase then extends the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand, and Ligase later joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.