DNA HELICASE Meaning and
Definition
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DNA helicase is an essential enzyme that plays a crucial role in DNA replication and repair processes. It belongs to the class of enzymes known as helicases, which are responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA molecule. Specifically, DNA helicase functions by breaking the hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands of DNA together, allowing for the separation of the two strands and the formation of the replication fork.
The DNA helicase enzyme operates during DNA replication by untwisting the double helix structure and moving along the DNA molecule in a direction known as a 5' to 3' polarity. As it moves, it separates the two strands, enabling the DNA polymerase enzyme to synthesize a new complementary strand on each template.
Furthermore, DNA helicase also participates in DNA repair mechanisms such as nucleotide excision repair, homologous recombination, and DNA recombination, where it unwinds DNA to permit the repair or recombination process.
Moreover, DNA helicase acts as a critical factor in DNA transcription, which involves the synthesis of messenger RNA from a DNA template. In this process, the helicase unwinds the DNA molecule to allow the RNA polymerase enzyme to access the DNA strand and synthesize the complementary RNA sequence.
In summary, DNA helicase is an indispensable enzyme that plays a central role in DNA replication, repair, and transcription by unwinding the double helix structure, facilitating the necessary molecular processes to occur accurately and efficiently within the cell.
Common Misspellings for DNA HELICASE
- sna helicase
- xna helicase
- cna helicase
- fna helicase
- rna helicase
- ena helicase
- dba helicase
- dma helicase
- dja helicase
- dha helicase
- dnz helicase
- dns helicase
- dnw helicase
- dnq helicase
- dna gelicase
- dna belicase
- dna nelicase
- dna jelicase
- dna uelicase
- dna yelicase
Etymology of DNA HELICASE
The word "DNA helicase" has its etymology rooted in two components: "DNA" and "helicase".
1. DNA: DNA stands for "deoxyribonucleic acid", a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. The term "DNA" was first coined in 1944 by Oswald Avery, Colin MacLeod, and Maclyn McCarty, who discovered that DNA is responsible for carrying genetic information.
2. Helicase: The term "helicase" derives from the Greek word "helix", meaning spiral or coil. In molecular biology, helicases are enzymes that are responsible for unwinding and separating the double-stranded DNA helix during processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and repair. The term "helicase" itself was coined by Albert Y. C. Linn and Rufus K.
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