Which enzyme catalyzes the separation of DNA strands during DNA replication?

DNA polymerase

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Helicase

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Ligase

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Topoisomerase

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Solution

The correct option is B Helicase
A. DNA polymerase adds deoxyribonucleotides to the 3'-OH end of the growing polynucleotide chain.
B. Helicase helps in unwinding the two strands of DNA double helix during replication.
C. Ligase joins the DNA strand by catalyzing the formation of a phosphodiester bond between the adjacent bases.
D. Topoisomerase helps in relieving the tension created during the unwinding of DNA.
Hence, the enzyme that catalyzes the separation of DNA strands during DNA replication is Helicase.
So, the correct answer is 'Helicase'.

Suggest Corrections

List-I	List-II
a. DNA Ligase	$1$ . Catalyses the covalent union of segments of an interrupted sugarphosphate strand in double-stranded DNA
b. DNA polymerase	$2$ . End nuclease that digests either single stranded or double stranded DNA
c. DNase I	$3$ . Produces single or double stranded breaks in DNA during replication to release tension brought about by the separation of double strands
d. DNA topoisomerase	$4$ . Catalyses the formation of DNA worn deoxyribonucleotides using one strand of DNA as template