Biology DNA replication question

[FutureDoc1994]

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Hi Everyone!

In an MCAT review book, it says topoisomerases cuts one or both of the strands and unwrap the helix, releasing the tension that was created by the helicases. Note that this is just the opposite of what DNA gyrase does.

I'm confused now, I thought DNA gyrase was a type of topoisomerase. Could someone please explain to me how topoisomerases is the opposite of DNA gyrase?

Thanks!

 

[FeinMS]

Gyrase is indeed a topoisomerase, but it introduces supercoil while other topoisomerase gets rid of supercoils.

 

[FutureDoc1994]

Thank you csdanim! 🙂