Question

TRUE OR FALSE

To enable replication of DNA the double helix needs to be opened forming replication forks

Answer 1

Yes. It is true. To enable replication of DNA the double helix needs to be opened forming replication forks.

First of all, what is meant by a replication fork? The area/the portion of the double helix DNA that is opened by the DNA helicase enzyme is known as a "Replication fork". Once the origin of replications triggered, all the proteins associated with the DNA replication, structurally organize into a replication fork. It is a multiprotein complex.

The replication forks will move in opposite directions as replication proceeds. The 5' to 3' leading strand moves continuously as the DNA polymerase moves in the same direction as the replication fork. But this is not the case with the lagging strand.

Enzymatic interactions of replication fork in the process of unwinding double helix:

1. Helicase opens up the DNA at the replication fork.

2. Single-strand binding proteins coat the DNA around the replication fork to prevent rewinding of the DNA.

3. Topoisomerase works at the region ahead of the replication fork to prevent supercoiling.

Functions of replication fork:

1. The replication fork unwinds the DNA using helicase enzyme.

2. It assists the DNA synthesis using DNA polymerase enzyme.

3. It maintains stability of a genome.

4. It increases the efficiency of DNA replication