DNA Structure and Replication · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following proteins stabilize single-stranded DNA during replication to prevent re-annealing or degradation?

  1. Topoisomerase relaxing supercoils
  2. Single-strand binding proteins (SSBs)
  3. The DNA polymerase III holoenzyme
  4. RNA primase synthesizing primers
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Correct answer: Single-strand binding proteins (SSBs)

Single-strand binding proteins (SSBs) bind to unwound single-stranded DNA at the replication fork, preventing the strands from re-forming a duplex or forming secondary structures.

Difficulty: Medium Question 6 of 20

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