Question

9. You want to set up an assay starting with a sliding clamp bound to DNA. What special property must the DNA have to establish binding between the sliding clamp and DNA? What other protein components must be in the reaction to ensure binding?

Answer 1

Answer:

The DNA must be able to separate its two strands in order to be connected to the sliding clamp.

For this to occur, the action of the protein components: helicase and topoisomerase is necessary.

Explanation:

The sliding clamp is a protein that participates in DNA replication. This protein is responsible for forming a "ring" around the single strand of DNA, allowing the polymer DNA (DNA replicating enzyme) to be firmly suited to the strand and to be able to create the new DNA strands. The sliding clamp is also responsible for the DNA polymerase decoupling from the DNA at the end of replication.

For the sliding clamp to work correctly, it is necessary for the DNA to unravel and release its two strands. This process needs the help of the Helicase enzymes, which are responsible for breaking the hydrogen bonds that hold the two DNA strands together, and, for topoisomerase, which is the enzyme that prevents single strands of DNA from creating torsions in their extension.