Topoisomerase

Definition

Topoisomerase is an enzyme that alters the supercoiled form of a DNA molecule. It helps in unwinding the DNA helix by cutting one or both strands, allowing it to unwind and then resealing it.

Related terms

DNA Gyrase: This is a type of topoisomerase that introduces negative supercoils (or relaxes positive supercoils) into DNA.

Helicase:

An enzyme that separates DNA strands before replication can occur.

Ligase:

An enzyme that connects two fragments of DNA to make a single fragment; it's like the glue for our genetic material.