What is the function of the enzyme topoisomerase in DNA replication?
A) Relieving strain in the DNA ahead of the replication fork caused by the untwisting of the double helix.
B) Elongating new DNA at a replication fork by adding nucleotides to the existing chain.
C) Reattaching the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs in the double helix.
D) Building RNA primers using the parental DNA strand as a template.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Topoisomerase is an enzyme that relieves the strain in the DNA ahead of the replication fork caused by the untwisting of the double helix. The unwinding of the double helix during DNA replication can create tension and knots in the DNA, and Topoisomerase cuts and rejoins the DNA strands to release the tension and prevent breakage.

What Is the Function of the Enzyme Topoisomerase in DNA