Multiple Choice
During DNA replication, which enzyme is primarily responsible for unzipping (separating) the two strands of the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds?
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8. DNA Replication
Overview of DNA Replication
Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for unzipping (separating) the two strands of the DNA double helix at the replication fork?
A
DNA ligase
B
DNA helicase
C
DNA polymerase III
D
Primase
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of DNA replication, which involves unwinding the double helix and synthesizing new complementary strands.
Identify the role of each enzyme listed: DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments, DNA polymerase III synthesizes new DNA strands, primase synthesizes RNA primers.
Recall that the enzyme responsible for unzipping or separating the two strands of DNA at the replication fork is the one that breaks the hydrogen bonds between base pairs.
Recognize that DNA helicase is the enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds, creating two single strands for replication.
Conclude that DNA helicase is the enzyme responsible for unzipping the DNA strands at the replication fork.
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