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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for unwinding or unzipping the parent DNA strand during replication?
A
Primase
B
DNA polymerase
C
Helicase
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 crucial part of cell division.
Identify the role of enzymes in DNA replication: Several enzymes are involved in the replication process, 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 or unzipping the double-stranded DNA. It breaks the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide base pairs, separating the two strands to allow replication to occur.
Differentiate between the roles of other enzymes: Primase synthesizes a short RNA primer to initiate DNA synthesis, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, and ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.
Conclude that helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the DNA strands, making it the correct answer to the problem.