The enzyme responsible for unzipping the DNA double helix is called helicase. Helicase plays a crucial role in DNA replication by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide base pairs. This action separates the two strands of the DNA molecule, creating a replication fork where new DNA strands can be synthesized.
Helicase works by moving along the DNA strand and using energy from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to unwind the double helix. This process is essential for DNA replication, as it allows the replication machinery to access the single-stranded DNA templates needed to create new complementary strands.
Without helicase, the DNA strands would remain tightly wound, and the replication process would be unable to proceed. Thus, helicase is a key enzyme in ensuring that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to daughter cells during cell division.