Multiple Choice
During DNA replication, what is the primary role of DNA helicase?
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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 adds DNA nucleotides to the growing strand in the to direction.
B
It joins Okazaki fragments together by forming phosphodiester bonds.
C
It synthesizes short RNA primers needed to start DNA synthesis.
D
It unwinds the double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.
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 role of the replication fork: During DNA replication, the double helix must be unwound to allow each strand to serve as a template for new DNA synthesis.
Identify the function of helicase: Helicase is an enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs, separating the two strands.
Distinguish helicase from other enzymes: Unlike DNA polymerase, which adds nucleotides, or ligase, which joins Okazaki fragments, helicase's primary role is to open the DNA strands at the replication fork.
Summarize: The main role of helicase at the replication fork is to unwind the DNA double helix, enabling the replication machinery to access the single-stranded DNA templates.
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