What energy source do helicases primarily utilize in their function?

Helicases are enzymes that play a crucial role in the unwinding of DNA and RNA during processes such as replication, repair, and transcription. They are vital in separating the two strands of the double helix, allowing for the necessary biological processes to occur. The primary energy source utilized by helicases to perform this function is adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

ATP serves as a high-energy molecule that provides the necessary energy for helicases to break the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs of nucleic acids. When ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate, the released energy is harnessed by the helicase to drive the mechanical process of strand separation. This is essential for the helicase's ability to move along the DNA or RNA strand and facilitate unwinding effectively.

In contrast, nucleotide triphosphates, while also energy-rich molecules, generally refer to a broader class that includes ATP and other nucleotides involved in nucleic acid synthesis. DNA itself or specific bases like cytosine and adenine does not provide energy for helicase activity in the same direct manner as ATP does. Thus, the specific association of helicase functioning with ATP as their primary energy source highlights