Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is primarily responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during DNA replication?
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14. DNA Synthesis
Introduction to DNA Replication
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In DNA replication, which type of origins of replication are more sequence-specific?
A
Mitochondrial origins
B
Eukaryotic origins
C
Viral origins
D
Prokaryotic origins
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that DNA replication begins at specific locations called origins of replication, where the DNA double helix is unwound to allow replication machinery to access the DNA strands.
Recognize that prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria, typically have a single, well-defined origin of replication on their circular DNA molecule. This origin is often highly sequence-specific, meaning it has a specific nucleotide sequence that is recognized by replication proteins.
In contrast, eukaryotic organisms have multiple origins of replication on their linear chromosomes. These origins are generally less sequence-specific compared to prokaryotic origins, as they are defined more by chromatin structure and other factors rather than a strict nucleotide sequence.
Mitochondrial DNA, which is similar to prokaryotic DNA, also has specific origins of replication, but these are not as sequence-specific as those found in prokaryotic cells.
Viral origins of replication can vary widely depending on the type of virus, but many viruses have evolved to use host cell machinery, which can influence the specificity of their replication origins. However, prokaryotic origins remain the most sequence-specific among the options provided.
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