The enzyme responsible for unwinding the DNA during replication is helicase.
During DNA replication, the double-stranded DNA must be unwound to allow the replication machinery to access the single strands. Helicase is the enzyme that performs this crucial function. It breaks the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs, separating the two strands of the DNA double helix. This creates a replication fork where the DNA can be copied.
Other enzymes involved in DNA replication include:
- DNA polymerase: Adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
- Topoisomerase: Relieves the tension caused by unwinding the DNA.
- Primase: Synthesizes short RNA primers to initiate DNA synthesis.
However, it is helicase that specifically unwinds the DNA, making it essential for the replication process.