Answer: Unzipping of DNA refers to the unwinding of DNA duplex from specific site that initiate the replication process (called origin of replication). Replication of DNA requires a single strand template so that DNA polymerase can add nucleotides in order to make new DNA copy.
Therefore, DNA must unzip so that template strand is available for making new DNA.
DNA must unzip or unwind before it can copy to initiate the process of replication because it only requires one strand that acts as a template.
Further Explanation:
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a chain of molecules that transfers the genetic information of an organism. It is present inside the nucleus of every cell.It is a double-stranded helix in which two strands run anti parallel to each other and have a twisted structure. One of the two strands is called the coding strand, and the other one is called the non-coding strand. As mRNA is a single-stranded; therefore, only one strand of the DNA that is the non-coding strand is used as a template and copied. The sequence of the mRNA transcript is complementary to the template strand.
So, the first step for the synthesis of protein comprises the uncoiling of the DNA strand. An RNA polymerase grabs the molecule and divides it into two strands. It leads to exposure of base-pair that helps in building the RNA strands.
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Answer Details:
Grade: High School
Subjects: Biology
Chapter: Structure of DNA
Keywords:
Deoxyribonucleic acid, chain, double-stranded helix, complementary, template, exposure, RNA strand, copied, molecule, split, base-pair.
