Question

What is the replication fork?

Answer 1

Replication fork:

1. Replication forks are Y-shaped structures that arise as the DNA splits open.
2. The DNA-dependent DNA polymerases catalyzes polymerization only in 5' - 3' direction.
3. Some additional complications get created at the replicating fork.
4. Helicase activity, primer synthesis, single-strand binding protein binding, and synthesis of new strands are the events going on at the replication fork.
5. The replication fork won't be extended if the helicase gene is altered.
6. Helicase unwinds the DNA strands.
7. This process requires the hydrolysis of ATP.

Role of enzymes in replication fork :

1. DNA Helicase : It unwinds the double helix into two single strands, there by allowing single strands to replicate.
2. Primase: This enzyme adds a small segment of RNA sequences called primer.
3. DNA Polymerase: It catalyzes the synthesis of new DNA strands from nucleoside triphosphates.