Question

Name the five major enzymes involved in DNA replication and briefly explain their roles in the process.

Answer 1

I believe that there may actually be six total enzymes instead of five, but they should be the helicase, gyrase, primase, DNA polymerase I, DNA polymerase III, and ligase. Below are the descriptions for each enzyme:

Helicase: unwinds the DNA double helix

Gyrase: relieves the buildup of torque during unwinding

Primase: lays down RNA primers

DNA polymerase I: replaces RNA primers with DNA

DNA polymerase III: main DNA synthesis enzyme

Ligase: fills in the gaps

Answer 2

Answer:

  1. Helicase

   2. Gyrase

   3. Primase

   4. DNA polymerase III

   5. polymerase I

  6.  Ligase

Explanation:

•    Helicase (unwinds the DNA double helix)

•    Gyrase (relieves the buildup of torque during unwinding)

•    Primase (lays down RNA primers)

•    DNA polymerase III (main DNA synthesis enzyme)

•    DNA polymerase I (replaces RNA primers with DNA)

•    Ligase (fills in the gaps)