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#DNA supercoiling

2 public questions tagged with this topic.

Protein that relieves positive supercoiling is

Unwinding helicase generates positive supercoils ahead of fork increasing helical twist and resisting further strand separation requiring topoisomerase relief. DNA gyrase, type II topoisomerase composed of GyrA and GyrB subunits as A2B2 tetramer, introduces negative supercoils using ATP hydrolysis to counterbalance positive supercoiling essentially removing overwinding stress. It makes transient double-strand cuts, passes another segment through break, and religates. SSB binds single strands but does not resolve topology, ligase seals nicks only. Gyrase thus prevents fork stall and facilitates rapid fork progression.

Ref: Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th ed., Chapter 5: DNA gyrase relieving positive supercoils ahead of fork

DNA

What is the role of topoisomerases in DNA structure?

Removing supercoiling stress accurately defines or describes the concept asked in this question. Within DNA, precise definitions and terminology are essential for clear scientific communication. The other options (Catalyzing DNA replication, Breaking phosphodiester bonds permanently, and Synthesizing RNA primers) either describe related but distinct concepts, use incorrect terminology, or confuse similar-sounding terms that have different scientific meanings. A thorough understanding of exact definitions helps distinguish between closely related biological concepts and is crucial for competitive examinations.

Ref: Molecular Biology of the Gene, Watson et al., 7th Ed.