rna polymerase is able to open the dna double helix as it moves down the template. what type of enzymatic activity does this mean rna polymerase must possess?
What type of enzymatic activity is required for RNA polymerase to open the DNA double helix as it moves down the template?
Answer:
For RNA polymerase to open the DNA double helix as it moves along the template, it must possess the enzymatic activity known as “helicase-like activity.” Helicases are enzymes that play a crucial role in DNA replication, repair, and transcription processes by unwinding the DNA strands. RNA polymerase needs helicase-like activity to separate the two strands of the DNA double helix, allowing it to access the template strand for transcription. This enzymatic activity enables RNA polymerase to “melt” the double-stranded DNA, forming the transcription bubble where RNA synthesis occurs. By unwinding the DNA strands, RNA polymerase can read the template strand and synthesize RNA in the 5’ to 3’ direction.