Question

select the correct answer.
an enzyme in a cell became dysfunctional because of an alteration. as a result, the dna strands would not separate to begin the replication process. which enzyme has been affected?
a. dna ligase
b. dna polymerase
c. helicase
d. rna primase
e. (text as seen, likely misspelled in ocr)

Explanation:

To determine the affected enzyme, we analyze each option:

• Option A: DNA ligase functions in joining DNA fragments, not separating strands. Eliminate A.
• Option B: DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands, not separate them. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Helicase is responsible for unwinding and separating the DNA double helix during replication. If it's dysfunctional, DNA strands won't separate. This matches the scenario.
• Option D: RNA primase synthesizes RNA primers for DNA replication, not strand separation. Eliminate D.
• Option E: Nuclease cuts DNA, not separate strands for replication start. Eliminate E.

Answer:

C. Helicase