DNA helicase
DNA helicase is an enzyme that is essential in the process of DNA replication, DNA repair, and transcription.
Pronunciation
The term "DNA helicase" is pronounced as "dee-en-ay hel-i-case".
Etymology
The term "DNA helicase" is derived from the words "DNA", an acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid, and "helicase", which comes from the Greek word "helix", meaning spiral. This is in reference to the enzyme's function of unwinding the spiral structure of DNA.
Function
DNA helicase is responsible for separating the two strands of the DNA double helix, a process necessary for DNA replication and repair. This unwinding allows other enzymes to copy or repair the DNA strands.
Related Terms
- DNA replication: The process by which a DNA molecule is copied.
- DNA repair: The collection of processes by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.
- Transcription (genetics): The first step of gene expression, in which a particular segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase.
- Enzyme: A substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on DNA helicase
- Wikipedia's article - DNA helicase
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