Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary role of helicase at the replication fork?
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8. DNA Replication
Overview of DNA Replication
Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary role of helicase at the replication fork?
A
It synthesizes short RNA primers to provide a 3′ OH for DNA polymerase to extend.
B
It unwinds the parental DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.
C
It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand in the 5′ to 3′ direction using the template strand.
D
It joins Okazaki fragments together by forming phosphodiester bonds in the sugar-phosphate backbone.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the role of helicase in DNA replication by understanding the process at the replication fork, where the DNA double helix must be separated into two single strands.
Recall that helicase is an enzyme responsible for breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs, which allows the two strands of DNA to unwind and separate.
Recognize that this unwinding is essential because it provides single-stranded DNA templates for other enzymes, such as DNA polymerase, to synthesize new DNA strands.
Differentiate helicase's function from other enzymes: for example, primase synthesizes RNA primers, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides, and ligase joins Okazaki fragments.
Conclude that the primary role of helicase at the replication fork is to unwind the parental DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.
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