How does Helicase unwind the dna strands?what is the chemical Process

In summary, helicases use ATP hydrolysis to move directionally along DNA and separate the two strands by breaking hydrogen bonds. The exact mechanism of how this coupling occurs is still being researched. Recent review papers and ongoing experimental work discuss the role of helicases in DNA unwinding.
  • #1
ARAVIND113122
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how does Helicase unwind the dna strands?what is the chemical Process involved?what is the chemical reaction?
 
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  • #2
Helicases use the free energy from ATP hydrolysis (ATP + H2O --> ADP + PO4) in order to move directionally along DNA (double stranded and/or single stranded) as well as peel apart the two strands of DNA. How these enzymes couple this chemical reaction to movement of the helicase and strand separation is not completely understood and is an active area of research.

Here's a few recent review papers I talking more about how helicases work and ongoing experimental work trying to tease out their mechanism:

http://www.nature.com/nrm/journal/v9/n5/full/nrm2394.html
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7881876
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959440X11000042
 
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  • #3


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicase

Helicases as said above use ATP to move along the DNA strand, along the way they break hydrogen bonds I think by creating an area of negative electrostatic charge around them...At least that is what my mind is saying, but I may be mistaken
 

1. How does Helicase unwind the DNA strands?

Helicase is an enzyme that binds to the DNA double helix and moves along the DNA molecule, breaking the hydrogen bonds between the complementary nucleotides. This action causes the two strands of the DNA to separate, resulting in the unwinding of the DNA helix.

2. What is the function of Helicase in DNA replication?

The main function of Helicase in DNA replication is to separate the two strands of the DNA double helix so that each strand can serve as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. This allows for the creation of two identical copies of the original DNA molecule.

3. How does Helicase know where to start unwinding the DNA?

Helicase binds to specific sequences of nucleotides called origin of replication sites, which are recognized by other proteins and enzymes involved in DNA replication. The binding of Helicase to these sites marks the beginning of the unwinding process.

4. Is there a specific direction in which Helicase moves along the DNA?

Yes, Helicase moves in the 5' to 3' direction along the DNA molecule. This means that it unwinds the DNA in the same direction that DNA polymerase synthesizes new strands.

5. What is the chemical process behind Helicase unwinding the DNA strands?

The chemical process behind Helicase unwinding the DNA involves the breaking of hydrogen bonds between the complementary nucleotides in the DNA double helix. This process requires energy, which is provided by ATP molecules that are hydrolyzed by Helicase as it moves along the DNA molecule.

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