Which enzyme is responsible for separating DNA strands during replication?

Which enzyme is responsible for separating DNA strands during replication?

• A. Ligase
• B. Polymerase
• C. Helicase
• D. Endonuclease

Answer: (C)

The enzyme responsible for separating DNA strands during replication is helicase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in unwinding the double helix structure of DNA, which is necessary for the replication process to occur. By breaking the hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pairs, helicase allows the two strands of DNA to separate, creating two single strands that can serve as templates for the synthesis of new strands. In contrast, ligase is involved in sealing nicks in the DNA backbone, which helps to connect Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand after replication. Polymerase, another key enzyme, is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strands but does not unwind the DNA. Endonuclease is involved in cutting DNA internally for various purposes, including repair or modification, but does not play a role in the separation of DNA strands during replication. Understanding the specific functions of these enzymes helps clarify their distinct roles in DNA replication and cellular processes.

The enzyme responsible for separating DNA strands during replication is helicase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in unwinding the double helix structure of DNA, which is necessary for the replication process to occur. By breaking the hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pairs, helicase allows the two strands of DNA to separate, creating two single strands that can serve as templates for the synthesis of new strands.

In contrast, ligase is involved in sealing nicks in the DNA backbone, which helps to connect Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand after replication. Polymerase, another key enzyme, is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strands but does not unwind the DNA. Endonuclease is involved in cutting DNA internally for various purposes, including repair or modification, but does not play a role in the separation of DNA strands during replication. Understanding the specific functions of these enzymes helps clarify their distinct roles in DNA replication and cellular processes.