asked 34.2k views
3 votes
What enzyme is responsible for dealing with the supercoils in the DNA during replication?

A) DNA ligase
B) DNA helicase
C) Topoisomerase
D) DNA polymerase

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

The enzyme that resolves supercoiling during DNA replication is topoisomerase, which alleviates tension by breaking and rejoining DNA strands.

option c. Topoisomerase is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme responsible for dealing with supercoils in the DNA during replication is topoisomerase. During DNA replication, unwinding of the double helix by DNA helicase creates tension and over-winding (supercoiling) ahead of the replication fork.

Topoisomerase relieves this tension by breaking and then rejoining the DNA strands, allowing the DNA to relax and unwind without breaking the phosphodiester bonds within the backbone. This process ensures the smooth progression of the replication fork and prevents damage to the DNA structure.

option c. Topoisomerase is the correct answer.

answered
User Solimar
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