What is the role of topoisomerase (or DNA gyrase in prokaryotes) during DNA replication?
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Correct answer: To relieve torsional strain ahead of the fork
As helicase unwinds the double helix, overwinding ahead of the fork causes torsional strain; topoisomerase relieves this by introducing transient breaks and resealing DNA, allowing replication to proceed smoothly.
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More DNA Structure and Replication questions
- Which DNA polymerase performs the bulk of leading-strand synthesis in prokaryotes during replication?
- Which of the following correctly describes the directionality of new DNA strand synthesis by DNA polymerase?
- Why are Okazaki fragments necessary on the lagging strand during DNA replication?
- Which component forms the “replisome” complex at the replication fork in prokaryotes?
- Which statement correctly describes the number of origins of replication in prokaryotic versus eukaryotic chromosomes?
- Which of the following polymerases is primarily responsible for lagging-strand elongation in eukaryotic cells?