DNA HELICASES Meaning and
Definition
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DNA helicases are enzymes that are essential for many cellular processes, particularly DNA replication and repair. These helicases play a crucial role in unwinding the complex structure of double-stranded DNA molecules, separating the two strands in a process known as DNA unwinding. This unwinding is necessary for other enzymes, such as DNA polymerases, to access the individual strands and carry out their functions.
DNA helicases are characterized by their ability to catalyze the ATP-dependent unwinding of DNA duplexes. They utilize the energy released from ATP hydrolysis to unlink or separate the two strands of DNA, enabling other proteins to access the now-single stranded DNA for replication or repair processes. This process occurs by disrupting the hydrogen bonds that hold the nucleotide base pairs together, which stabilizes the DNA double helix structure.
Apart from DNA replication and repair, helicases are also involved in various other cellular activities, including DNA recombination, RNA transcription, and translation, and genome maintenance. They are highly conserved across different organisms, from bacteria to humans, highlighting their crucial role in cellular processes.
Overall, DNA helicases are enzymes that utilize ATP energy to unwind and separate double-stranded DNA, allowing for DNA replication and repair. They are essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of the genome, and their dysfunction has been implicated in various genetic diseases and cancer.
Common Misspellings for DNA HELICASES
- sna helicases
- xna helicases
- cna helicases
- fna helicases
- rna helicases
- ena helicases
- dba helicases
- dma helicases
- dja helicases
- dha helicases
- dnz helicases
- dns helicases
- dnw helicases
- dnq helicases
- dna gelicases
- dna belicases
- dna nelicases
- dna jelicases
- dna uelicases
- dna yelicases
Etymology of DNA HELICASES
The term "DNA helicase" is derived from two components: "DNA" and "helicase".
1. DNA: DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the molecule that carries genetic instructions in most living organisms. The term was coined by Swiss biochemist Friedrich Miescher in 1869, who discovered a substance rich in phosphorus that he initially referred to as "nuclein". Later, upon further research and understanding of its structure and functions, the term was modified to "deoxyribonucleic acid".
2. Helicase: The term "helicase" originated from the Greek word "helix", which means a spiral or coil, and the suffix "-ase" signifies an enzyme. Helicases are a class of enzymes responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA helix during DNA replication or DNA repair.
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