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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for unzipping the DNA during replication?
A
Primase
B
Helicase
C
DNA polymerase
D
Ligase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules. It is a critical process that occurs in all living organisms to ensure that each new cell receives an exact copy of the DNA.
Identify the role of enzymes in DNA replication: Several enzymes are involved in the process of DNA replication, each with a specific function. These include helicase, primase, DNA polymerase, and ligase.
Focus on the function of helicase: Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding and unzipping the double-stranded DNA. It breaks the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide base pairs, separating the two strands to allow each strand to be copied.
Differentiate between the roles of other enzymes: Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer to provide a starting point for DNA polymerase. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand. Ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
Conclude that helicase is the enzyme responsible for unzipping the DNA: Based on the functions of the enzymes involved in DNA replication, helicase is the enzyme that unzips the DNA strands, making it the correct answer to the problem.