Question

The enzyme helicase unwinds the DNA duplex. Which of the following is likely to be true?

A) A pre-existing 3'OH is required for helicase to work
B) Helicase uses energy from ATP Hydrolysis
C) Helicase is itself made of RNA
D) Energy is released when the DNA helix is unwound.

Answer 1

B) Helicase uses energy from ATP Hydrolysis

Step-by-step explanation:

Helicase's primary function is to separate the annealed nucleic acid strands. It is a motor protein and moves directionally along the phosphodiester backbone. It usually separates strands of double helix DNA or self annealed RNA. It used the energy from ATP hydrolysis and breaks hydrogen bonds between nucleotide bases.

In human body 95 types of helicases are found. They have sequence motifs required for ATP binding, ATP hydrolysis and translocation along nucleic acid phosphodiester backbone. The variable portion in their amino acid sequence imparts specific feature to each helicase.