Which enzyme unzips the DNA double helix?

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Question: Which enzyme unzips the DNA double helix?

Answer:

  • DNA helicase unzips the DNA double helix during DNA replication and transcription.
  • This enzyme plays a crucial role in DNA replication, transcription, and repair processes.
  • DNA helicase separates the two strands of the double helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs of DNA.
Enzyme:

 

DNA Helicase
Location:  Found in the nucleus of cells
Function: Unwinds and separates the DNA double helix during DNA replication, transcription, and repair processes
Substrates:

 

Double-stranded DNA

Products: Single-stranded DNA template

Mechanism: Breaks hydrogen bonds between DNA base pairs to separate the strands base pairs to separate the strands
Associated Proteins: Often works in coordination with other proteins such as DNA polymerase and single-stranded DNA-binding proteins
Significance: Essential for DNA replication, transcription, and repair
Processivity: Moves along the DNA strand, continuously unwinding the helix
Directionality: Directionality: Typically moves in the 5′ to 3′ direction
Regulation: Activated by binding to specific DNA sequences and interacting with other replication and transcription proteins
Other Names: Helicase, DNA unwinding enzyme
Co-factors: ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
Deficiency: Defects in DNA helicase function can lead to genetic disorders and impair DNA replication and repair processes

Important Questions about Enzymes

  1. Enzymes MCQs
  2. Inhibition in enzymes
  3. Which enzyme digests starch?
  4. Which enzyme digests protein?
  5. which enzyme is present in saliva?
  6. Which enzyme is not present in succus entericus?
  7. Which enzyme breaks down protein in the stomach?
  8. Which enzyme converts fibrinogen to fibrin?
  9. Which enzyme converts glucose into alcohol?
  10. Which enzyme digests fat?
  11. Which enzyme digests milk protein?
  12. Which enzyme is used in PCR?
  13. Which enzyme unzips the DNA double helix?
  14. Which liver enzyme increases with alcohol?
  15. Which enzyme cuts DNA?
  16. Which enzyme catalyzes the first step of glycolysis?
  17. Which enzyme binds DNA fragments together?
  18. Which enzyme transcribes DNA into RNA?
  19. which enzyme adds new nucleotides?
  20. Which enzyme digests cellulose?
  21. Which enzyme separates the two strands of DNA?
  22. Which enzyme converts carbohydrates into glucose?
  23. Which enzyme removes RNA primer?
  24. Which enzymes help in digestion?
  25. Which enzyme works best in acidic conditions?
  26. Which enzyme synthesizes tRNA?
  27. Which enzyme secreted by pancreas?
  28. Which enzyme converts maltose into glucose?
  29. Which vitamins work as coenzyme?