The MCM6 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is part of the MCM complex, a group of proteins that functions as a helicase. Helicases attach to particular regions of DNA and temporarily unwind the two spiral strands of these molecules. When a cell prepares to divide to form two cells, helicases unwind the DNA so that it can be copied. The DNA that makes up the chromosomes is duplicated (replicated) so that each new cell will get a complete set of chromosomes. Helicases are also involved in the production of RNA, a chemical cousin of DNA.
Other Names
MCM6_HUMAN; minichromosome maintenance deficient 6
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 4175
- OMIM: 601806
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
