DNA Helicase
An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during DNA replication. Breaks hydrogen between bases.
DNA helicase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in DNA replication. It functions by unwinding the double-stranded DNA at the replication fork, creating a single-stranded template for the replication machinery to use.
The structure of DNA helicase typically includes a motor domain and one or more accessory domains. The motor domain is responsible for the unwinding activity, while the accessory domains may play a role in regulating the enzyme’s activity or interactions with other proteins involved in replication.
During DNA replication, DNA helicase is recruited to the replication fork by other proteins, such as the replicative polymerase and the primase. Once at the fork, the enzyme binds to the double-stranded DNA and begins to unwind the helix in a processive manner, moving along the template strand and displacing the complementary strand.
The energy required for unwinding is provided by ATP hydrolysis. As the helix is unwound, the torsional strain caused by the unwinding is relieved by other proteins, such as topoisomerase and DNA gyrase.
Overall, DNA helicase is a critical enzyme in DNA replication, allowing for the creation of a single-stranded template used by the replication machinery to synthesize a new complementary strand. Its activity is precisely regulated to ensure accurate and efficient DNA replication.
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