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Multiple Choice
Which of the following enzymes is responsible for separating the DNA strands during replication?
A
Ligase
B
Primase
C
DNA polymerase
D
Helicase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division. It involves several enzymes that play specific roles.
Identify the role of each enzyme listed: Ligase is responsible for joining Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand. Primase synthesizes RNA primers needed to start the replication process. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
Focus on the enzyme responsible for separating DNA strands: Helicase is the enzyme that unwinds the double-stranded DNA, creating two single strands that serve as templates for replication.
Visualize the action of helicase: Imagine helicase as a zipper pull that moves along the DNA, breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs, thus separating the strands.
Confirm the function of helicase: Helicase is crucial for initiating replication by providing single-stranded DNA templates for other enzymes to work on.