RNA polymerase/DNA helicase

[caqiu]

hey,
Just wondering, is it RNA polymerase that unwinds and unzips double stranded DNA or DNA helicase that does it in transcription and PCR.
Thank you!

[Geoo]

hey,
Just wondering, is it RNA polymerase that unwinds and unzips double stranded DNA or DNA helicase that does it in transcription and PCR.
Thank you!

From my knowledge (feel free to correct me), it is DNA helicase that unwinds the DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases, and the DNA polymerase is what is used to read and match/build with complementry base pairs (nucleotide) to form the new strand in PCR.

Just two things, RNA polymerase is used in protein synthesis/gene expression in the transcription and translation process, and the DNA polymerase is used in PCR.
Also, the DNA polymerase used in PCR is actually called Taq polymerase. Since PCR can involve high temperatures, a human/other DNA polymerase wouldn't function in that heat, so Taq is used since it can withstand the temperatures. It is like this because it is naturally found in natural hot pool/springs in bacteria.

[PhoenixxFire]

From my knowledge (feel free to correct me), it is DNA helicase that unwinds the DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases, and the DNA polymerase is what is used to read and match/build with complementry base pairs (nucleotide) to form the new strand in PCR.

None of this is in the study design anymore, so don't worry about it (and you can skip any questions about it in past exams)

Since PCR can involve high temperatures, a human/other DNA polymerase wouldn't function in that heat, so Taq is used since it can withstand the temperatures. It is like this because it is naturally found in natural hot pool/springs in bacteria.

Just a little correction - taq polymerase is still a DNA polymerase. It was originally isolated from a species of bacteria called thermus aquaticus, hence the name taq.