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Multiple Choice
Which of the following must happen first in order for DNA replication to occur?
A
The DNA double helix must be unwound by helicase.
B
RNA primers must be removed and replaced with DNA.
C
DNA polymerase must synthesize new DNA strands.
D
Okazaki fragments must be joined by ligase.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication, which involves several key steps to ensure accurate duplication of the genetic material.
Recognize that DNA replication begins with the unwinding of the DNA double helix. This is necessary to expose the template strands for replication.
Identify the role of helicase, an enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs, creating two single strands.
Acknowledge that the unwinding of the DNA by helicase is the first step in the replication process, as it allows other enzymes to access the DNA strands for further replication activities.
Note that after the DNA is unwound, other processes such as the synthesis of RNA primers, the action of DNA polymerase, and the joining of Okazaki fragments occur, but these steps follow the initial unwinding by helicase.