Topoisomerase vs Helicase

What is Topoisomerase?

Topoisomerases are nuclear enzyme that are responsible for relieving the supercoiling of DNA and maintaining DNA topology during several cellular processes like transcription and chromosome segregation. It does so by breaking the phosphodiester bonds of DNA reversibly. There are several types of DNA Topoisomerases in eukaryotes and prokaryotes....

Types of Topoisomerase

Primarily there are two types of Topoisomerases: Type I Topoisomerases and Type II Topoisomerases. Both these types are differentiated based on their function, structure, and the mechanism by which they cleave DNA. Both these types are discussed below....

Functions of Topoisomerase

The ability of Topoisomerases to break phosphodiester bonds reversible makes them crucial components in many cellular processes like replication, transcription, seggregation, etc. Primary functions of Topoisomerases are as follows:...

Topoisomerase in DNA Replication

During DNA replication, topoisomerases play a vital role in ensuring the accurate and efficient duplication of genetic material. These enzymes help relieve the tension that builds up ahead of the replication fork as DNA strands unwind and separate. By temporarily breaking the DNA strands topoisomerases alleviate this tension by allowing the replication machinery to proceed smoothly. This process is crucial for preventing DNA damage and maintaining genomic integrity during cell division....

Topoisomerase Inhibitors

Topoisomerase inhibitors are drugs that interfere with the activity of Topoisomerases, crucial enzymes involved in DNA topology regulation. They are widely used in cancer chemotherapy due to their ability to disrupt DNA replication and repair, leading to cell death. There are two main types: Topoisomerase I inhibitors and Topoisomerase II inhibitors. However, some drugs, like the fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), act as dual inhibitors of both Topoisomerase I and Topoisomerase II....

Topoisomerase vs Helicase

Topoisomerase and helicase are important nucleases that are involved in uncoiling of the DNA helix however their functions are quite different. The differences between topoisomerase and helicase are listed below....

Difference Between Topoisomerase and Gyrase

Gyrase is a type of Topoisomerase but it has some typical characters that distinguishes it from other Topisomerases in the group....

Conclusion – Topoisomerase

In conclusion, topoisomerases play a role in maintaining the integrity and stability of DNA during various cellular processes. They relieve torsional stress, unwind and untangle DNA strands and facilitate DNA replication, transcription, and segregation. Understanding the different types and functions of topoisomerases provides insights into their therapeutic potential, particularly as targets for cancer treatment. Topoisomerase inhibitors, such as camptothecins and anthracyclines, are widely used in chemotherapy to disrupt DNA replication and induce cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, further research is needed to develop more selective and less toxic inhibitors for improved cancer therapy....

FAQs – Topoisomerase

Why does Topoisomerase Cut DNA?...