What keeps DNA strands separate?

What keeps DNA strands separate?

helicase
First, a so-called initiator protein unwinds a short stretch of the DNA double helix. Then, a protein known as helicase attaches to and breaks apart the hydrogen bonds between the bases on the DNA strands, thereby pulling apart the two strands.

What keeps separated DNA strands from reforming?

A protein called the sliding clamp holds the DNA polymerase in place as it continues to add nucleotides. Two replication forks are formed by the opening of the double-stranded DNA at the origin, and helicase separates the DNA strands, which are coated by single-stranded binding proteins to keep the strands separated.

How does DNA replication maintain stability?

The precise copying of genetic information during DNA replication provides genetic stability to living organisms. Errors introduced during DNA replication may compromise the survival of the organism. The fidelity of DNA replication is accomplished mainly by the proofreading function of DNA polymerases.

Which structure is responsible for stabilizing DNA in its single stranded form?

Topoisomerases (red) reduce torsional strain caused by the unwinding of the DNA double helix; DNA helicase (yellow) breaks hydrogen bonds between complementary base-pairs; single-strand binding proteins (SSBs) stabilize the separated strands and prevent them from rejoining.

Which of the following prevents supercoiling of the DNA strands ahead of the replication bubble?

Topoisomerase binds at the region ahead of the replication fork to prevent supercoiling. Primase synthesizes RNA primers complementary to the DNA strand. DNA polymerase starts adding nucleotides to the 3′-OH end of the primer. Elongation of both the lagging and the leading strand continues.

How does DNA replicate how is the process responsible for preservation of heredity?

In this process, the two strands of DNA helix unwind and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new strand. The double helix of DNA is the store house of the heredity information of the organism. This information is in the coded form as the sequence of bases along the polynucleotide chain.

Which enzyme is responsible for building the new strands of DNA?

The central enzyme involved is DNA polymerase, which catalyzes the joining of deoxyribonucleoside 5′-triphosphates (dNTPs) to form the growing DNA chain.