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A DNA unwinding element is the initiation site for the opening of the double helix structure of the DNA at the origin of replication for DNA synthesis. It is A-T rich and denatures easily due to its low helical stability, which allows the single-strand region to be recognized by origin recognition complex.
DUEs are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, but were first discovered in yeast and bacteria origins, by Huang Kowalski. The DNA unwinding allows for access of replication machinery to the newly single strands. In eukaryotes, DUEs are the binding site for DNA-unwinding element binding proteins required for replication initiation. In prokaryotes, DUEs are found in the form of tandem consensus sequences flanking the 5' end of DnaA binding domain. The act of unwinding at these A-T rich elements occurs even in absence of any origin binding proteins due to negative supercoiling forces, making it an energetically favourable action. DUEs are typically found spanning 30-100 bp of replication origins.