What is helicase enzyme and why is important to cells?

Answer 1

Helicase is an enzyme that unwinds and separates the double-stranded DNA or RNA during processes such as replication and transcription. This unwinding is crucial because it allows other enzymes, like DNA polymerase or RNA polymerase, to access the single strands and synthesize new nucleic acid strands. Without helicase, the genetic information stored in DNA could not be effectively copied or expressed, which is vital for cell division, growth, and function. Thus, helicase plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and continuity of genetic material in cells.