What is the function of Single-Strand Binding Proteins (SSBs) during the replication process?
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Correct answer: To keep separated strands stable and prevent re-annealing
Once helicase separates the DNA strands, single-strand binding proteins (SSBs) coat the single-stranded regions to prevent re-annealing or hairpin formation. This keeps the template accessible for replication machinery.
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More DNA Replication: Mechanisms and Enzymes questions
- Which enzyme relieves the torsional strain and supercoiling created ahead of the replication fork?
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- In prokaryotes, which enzyme removes the RNA primers and replaces them with DNA nucleotides?
- Which enzyme acts as the 'glue' to join the sugar-phosphate backbones of DNA fragments, such as Okazaki fragments?
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