Multiple Choice
In DNA replication, what is the primary function of DNA polymerase?
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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” the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs at the replication fork?
A
DNA ligase
B
DNA helicase
C
Primase
D
DNA polymerase III
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of DNA replication, which involves unwinding the double helix to allow each strand to be copied.
Identify the role of enzymes involved in DNA replication: DNA ligase joins Okazaki fragments, primase synthesizes RNA primers, DNA polymerase III adds nucleotides to the new strand.
Focus on the enzyme that breaks hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs to separate the two DNA strands at the replication fork.
Recall that the enzyme responsible for 'unzipping' the DNA double helix by breaking these hydrogen bonds is DNA helicase.
Conclude that DNA helicase initiates the replication process by unwinding the DNA, enabling other enzymes to synthesize new strands.
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