A helicase with an extra spring in its step.

Schlierf, Michael; Ha, Taekjip · Cell · 2012

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

DNA replication requires hexameric ring-shaped helicases that unwind double-stranded DNA. In this issue, Itsathitphaisarn et al. report a high-resolution crystal structure of DnaB in complex with single-stranded DNA and nucleotide triphosphate analogs, revealing a unique mechanism by which DnaB unwinds DNA two base pairs at a time.