Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary function of helicase?
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8. DNA Replication
Overview of DNA Replication
Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, what is the primary function of helicase at the replication fork?
A
It joins Okazaki fragments together by forming phosphodiester bonds.
B
It unwinds the parental double-stranded DNA by breaking hydrogen bonds to separate the two strands.
C
It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand in the to direction.
D
It synthesizes short RNA primers required to start DNA synthesis.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the role of helicase in DNA replication by focusing on the replication fork, where the parental DNA strands are separated to allow copying.
Recall that helicase is an enzyme responsible for breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs in the double-stranded DNA.
Understand that by breaking these hydrogen bonds, helicase unwinds the double helix, creating two single strands that serve as templates for replication.
Differentiate helicase's function from other enzymes: DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides, and primase synthesizes RNA primers.
Conclude that the primary function of helicase is to unwind the parental double-stranded DNA by breaking hydrogen bonds to separate the two strands at the replication fork.
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