What role does helicase play in DNA processes?

Helicase plays a crucial role in DNA processes by unwinding the double-stranded DNA molecule. This unwinding is essential during DNA replication, where the two strands of DNA need to be separated to allow each strand to serve as a template for the synthesis of new complementary strands. By breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide base pairs, helicase creates a replication fork, facilitating the access of DNA polymerases and other enzymes necessary for replication.

The other options refer to different processes: synthesizing RNA is the function of RNA polymerase, repairing mutations is primarily carried out by various repair enzymes, and attaching amino acids together is the role of ribosomes during protein synthesis. These processes are distinct from the specific action of helicase, highlighting the specialized function that helicase fulfills in the context of DNA replication.