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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is primarily responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during DNA replication?
A
Primase
B
Helicase
C
Ligase
D
DNA polymerase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA, ensuring that each new cell receives a complete set of genetic instructions.
Identify the role of enzymes in DNA replication: Several enzymes are involved in DNA replication, each with a specific function. Helicase, primase, ligase, and DNA polymerase are key enzymes in this process.
Focus on the unwinding of the DNA double helix: During DNA replication, the double-stranded DNA must be unwound to allow each strand to be copied. This unwinding is crucial for the replication machinery to access the DNA strands.
Determine which enzyme is responsible for unwinding: Helicase is the enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide pairs, creating two single strands that can be used as templates for replication.
Clarify the roles of other enzymes: Primase synthesizes RNA primers needed to start the replication process, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, and ligase joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand.