Multiple Choice
DNA replication begins at a specific site on the chromosome called the:
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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 DNA helicase at the replication fork?
A
It lays down short RNA primers needed to start DNA synthesis on the leading and lagging strands.
B
It joins Okazaki fragments together on the lagging strand by forming phosphodiester bonds.
C
It unwinds the double helix by separating the two DNA strands (breaking hydrogen bonds) to allow replication to proceed.
D
It synthesizes a new DNA strand by adding nucleotides in the direction.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of DNA: DNA is a double helix composed of two complementary strands held together by hydrogen bonds between base pairs.
Recognize the replication fork: During DNA replication, the double helix must be unwound to allow each strand to serve as a template for synthesis of a new complementary strand.
Identify the role of DNA helicase: DNA helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the two DNA strands at the replication fork.
Distinguish DNA helicase from other enzymes: Unlike primase, which lays down RNA primers, or DNA ligase, which joins Okazaki fragments, DNA helicase's primary function is strand separation.
Summarize the importance: By unwinding the DNA, helicase enables the replication machinery to access single-stranded DNA templates, allowing DNA polymerase to synthesize new strands.
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