The enzyme that opens up the DNA double helix during replication.?
The enzyme that opens up the DNA double helix during replication is called helicase. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. During DNA replication, the DNA double helix needs to be unwound and separated into two strands in order for new strands to be synthesized.
2. Helicase is the enzyme responsible for this unwinding process. It binds to specific sites on the DNA molecule, known as origin of replication sites, and starts moving along the DNA strand in a specific direction.
3. As helicase moves along the DNA molecule, it uses energy from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to break the hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands of DNA together.
4. Once the hydrogen bonds are broken, the helicase continues to move along the DNA strand, separating the two strands and creating a replication fork.
5. The replication fork is the Y-shaped structure that forms when the DNA double helix is opened up. At the replication fork, DNA replication can begin with the synthesis of new complementary strands.
In summary, helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding and separating the DNA double helix during replication, creating a replication fork where new DNA strands can be synthesized.
The enzyme responsible for opening up the DNA double helix during replication is called DNA helicase. It plays a critical role in DNA replication by unwinding the double-stranded DNA molecule, separating the two strands and creating a replication fork. Through this process, DNA helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pairs, allowing the DNA replication machinery to access the individual strands and copy them.
If you want to find this information yourself, you can search for terms like "enzyme in DNA replication," "enzyme that unwinds DNA during replication," or "what opens up the DNA double helix in replication" in a search engine. Reliable sources such as scientific articles, textbooks, or educational websites will provide you with accurate information about the topic.