Final answer:
The enzyme important for relieving the tension in a helix during DNA synthesis is topoisomerase, which relaxes supercoils by breaking and resealing the DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme that plays a crucial role in relieving the tension in a helix as it unwinds during DNA synthesis is called topoisomerase. During replication, when the DNA double helix unwinds, it results in supercoiling, which can create strain on the DNA molecule. Topoisomerase addresses this by breaking the phosphate backbone of the DNA strands, allowing them to relax and alleviate the tension caused by unwinding. Once the tension is eased, topoisomerase reseals the breaks, allowing the replication process to continue smoothly. This enzyme is particularly important as it prevents the DNA molecule from becoming damaged by the strains of replication.
The enzyme that is important for relieving the tension in a helix as it unwinds during DNA synthesis is topoisomerase. Topoisomerase is responsible for breaking and reforming DNA's nucleotide base pairs ahead of the replication fork, relieving the pressure that results from supercoiling. It helps to hold the DNA polymerase in place when nucleotides are being added and relaxes the supercoiled DNA to make it more accessible for the initiation of replication