The Question is from neet-botany molecular-basis-of-inheritance , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

Which enzyme is responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during transcription?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Enzymes in Transcription
 **Related Topics**: DNA replication, molecular biology, gene expression
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of DNA structure and the process of transcription.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the enzyme responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during transcription.
  The options are DNA polymerase, Helicase, Ligase, and RNA polymerase.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the role of each enzyme.
  Reasoning: We need to determine which enzyme's function involves separating the two strands of the DNA double helix.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable; this is a knowledge-based question.
 2. Analyze the functions of the enzymes.
  Working:
  * DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands during DNA replication.
  * Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix during DNA replication and also plays a role in other processes requiring DNA strand separation.
  * Ligase joins DNA fragments together.
  * RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.
  Key Point: The unwinding of the DNA double helix is a crucial step for both DNA replication and transcription to allow access to the DNA template.
 3. Determine the correct enzyme for unwinding DNA during transcription.
  Result: RNA polymerase requires the DNA double helix to be unwound to access the template strand for RNA synthesis.  While helicase is primarily involved in DNA replication's unwinding, it also plays a role in transcription. However, RNA polymerase itself is directly involved in the unwinding process during transcription initiation. Therefore, RNA polymerase is the most appropriate answer in the context of the question.
  Verification:  The function of RNA polymerase includes the unwinding of a small portion of the DNA double helix to allow for the synthesis of the RNA molecule.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: DNA polymerase is involved in DNA replication, not unwinding the DNA double helix during transcription.
B :x: Helicase is primarily involved in DNA replication.  While it might be present, the question focuses on the enzyme directly responsible for unwinding during transcription.
C :x: Ligase is involved in joining DNA fragments, not unwinding the DNA double helix.
D ✓: RNA polymerase unwinds a portion of the DNA double helix during transcription initiation to access the template strand for RNA synthesis.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the roles of DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase: Remembering that DNA polymerase replicates DNA, while RNA polymerase transcribes DNA into RNA.
  2.Overlooking the role of RNA polymerase in unwinding: Understanding that RNA polymerase's function is not solely synthesis, but also includes unwinding a short stretch of the DNA helix.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Associate unwinding with the initiation phase of transcription.
  2.Remember the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA → RNA → Protein

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

DNA polymerase

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Helicase

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Ligase

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "RNA polymerase"

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