What happens to DNA after it is unwound by helicase?

After DNA is unwound by helicase, the strands that were previously coiled together become separated and are then accessible for various biological processes. The primary functions that can occur following this unwinding are replication and transcription.

During replication, the separated strands serve as templates for the synthesis of new complementary DNA strands, ensuring that genetic information is accurately duplicated and passed on during cell division. Meanwhile, transcription involves the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA) from the DNA template, allowing for the expression of genes and the production of proteins.

This unwinding process is crucial because it allows the necessary enzymes and machinery to access the genetic code. Subsequent operations like repair and recombination may occur at different stages or contexts but are not directly the consequence of helicase activity itself. Thus, the ability of the unwound DNA to be readily used in replication or transcription is what makes this choice the most accurate in describing the immediate outcome after helicase unwinds the DNA.