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Multiple Choice
What role do enzymes called helicases play in DNA replication?
A
They synthesize new DNA strands.
B
They unwind the DNA double helix.
C
They add RNA primers to the DNA template.
D
They join Okazaki fragments together.
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 helicases: Helicases are enzymes that play a crucial role in DNA replication by unwinding the DNA double helix, allowing the replication machinery access to the single strands of DNA.
Explore the unwinding mechanism: Helicases break the hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases of the DNA strands, effectively separating the two strands and creating a replication fork.
Differentiate helicases from other enzymes: While helicases unwind the DNA, other enzymes like DNA polymerase synthesize new DNA strands, primase adds RNA primers, and ligase joins Okazaki fragments.
Recognize the importance of helicases: Without helicases, the DNA strands would remain tightly coiled, preventing the replication process from proceeding efficiently.