Topoisomerase

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Topoisomerase

Topoisomerase (pronunciation: /ˌtoʊpoʊ.aɪˈsɒməreɪz/) is an enzyme that alters the supercoiled form of a DNA molecule. This alteration is crucial for DNA replication and transcription, as it helps to prevent the DNA strands from becoming tangled or supercoiled.

Etymology

The term "topoisomerase" is derived from the Greek words "topos", meaning "place", and "isomerase", a type of enzyme that catalyzes the rearrangement of bonds within a single molecule.

Function

Topoisomerases are essential for the replication of DNA, as they help to relieve the strain in the double helix by causing breaks and then rejoining the DNA strands. There are two types of topoisomerases: Topoisomerase I and Topoisomerase II. Topoisomerase I cuts one strand of DNA, while Topoisomerase II cuts both strands of the DNA molecule.

Related Terms

  • DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms.
  • Enzyme: A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.
  • DNA Replication: The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
  • Transcription (genetics): The first step of gene expression, where a particular segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase.

See Also

  • DNA Gyrase: A type of topoisomerase that introduces negative supercoils (or relaxes positive supercoils) into DNA.
  • Topoisomerase inhibitor: A chemical that blocks the action of topoisomerases.

External links

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