Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, which enzyme is primarily responsible for synthesizing a new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the growing 3′ end?
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8. DNA Replication
Overview of DNA Replication
Multiple Choice
In the overview of DNA replication, which enzyme is primarily responsible for unwinding the parental DNA double helix at the replication fork?
A
DNA helicase
B
DNA ligase
C
Primase
D
DNA polymerase III
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of DNA replication, which involves unwinding the double helix, synthesizing new strands, and joining fragments.
Identify the role of each enzyme listed: DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments, primase synthesizes RNA primers, DNA polymerase III extends the new DNA strand, and DNA helicase unwinds the parental DNA.
Focus on the step where the double helix must be separated into two single strands to serve as templates for replication.
Recall that the enzyme responsible for breaking the hydrogen bonds between base pairs to unwind the DNA is DNA helicase.
Conclude that DNA helicase is the enzyme primarily responsible for unwinding the parental DNA double helix at the replication fork.
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