Question

Due to the fact that the two strands of DNA in a double helix are wound around one another, twisting forces applied to the DNA double helix result in the introduction of additional coils, a process known as DNA______

Answer 1

Supercoiling is the process that occurs when twisting forces applied to the DNA double helix result in the introduction of additional coils. This process is mediated by enzymes called topoisomerases, which play a crucial role in DNA replication and maintaining the integrity of the DNA molecule.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process in which twisting forces applied to the DNA double helix result in the introduction of additional coils is called supercoiling. Supercoiling occurs because the two strands of DNA in the double helix are wound around each other, and when those strands are unwound, it causes the DNA to twist into a supercoil.

Supercoiling is an important process in DNA replication and is mediated by enzymes called topoisomerases. These enzymes bind to DNA, catalyze the unwinding of the double helix, and then re-catalyze the re-formation of the DNA strands. Topoisomerases play a crucial role in relaxing the supercoils and maintaining the integrity of the DNA molecule.