Final answer:
Helicase is an essential enzyme that separates DNA strands at the replication fork, it requires ATP to function and prevents DNA strands from reforming into a double helix. Mutations in helicase can inhibit DNA replication, illustrating its crucial role in cell division. The correct option is (D) All of the above
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme helicase plays a critical role in DNA replication by separating the DNA strands at the origin of replication, initiating the process that allows for the duplication of genetic material.
This process is carried out at the replication fork, where helicase unwinds and separates the two DNA strands to create a template for new DNA synthesis.
Helicase activity requires energy, which it obtains from the hydrolysis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). If helicase is not functioning properly due to a mutation, it can prevent the DNA strands from separating correctly at the beginning of replication, thereby inhibiting the process essential for cell division.
Topoisomerase and single-stranded binding proteins (SSBs) are also involved in DNA replication. Topoisomerase relieves the tension or supercoiling ahead of the replication fork by breaking and rejoining the DNA's phosphate backbone. SSBs bind to the single-stranded DNA to prevent it from re-forming a double helix.
Primase synthesizes an RNA primer needed for DNA polymerase to initiate the synthesis of a new daughter DNA strand, adding nucleotides to the growing chain and ensuring faithful replication of the genomic DNA. The correct option is (D) All of the above