Which DNA replication enzyme keeps DNA strands separate?

Which DNA replication enzyme keeps DNA strands separate?

• A. Single Stranded Binding Proteins (SSBPs)
• B. Topoisomerase
• C. DNA polymerase
• D. Ligase

Answer: (A)

During replication, helicase unzips the double helix, leaving exposed single-stranded DNA that tends to re-anneal or form secondary structures. Single Stranded Binding Proteins bind to these exposed strands, coating them to keep them open and protected, which stabilizes the replication fork and allows DNA polymerase to access the template. They aren’t enzymes that unwind or synthesize DNA; their role is to maintain the separated state of the strands. In contrast, topoisomerase relieves DNA supercoiling ahead of the fork, DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA, and ligase seals gaps after synthesis. So the best answer is Single Stranded Binding Proteins.

During replication, helicase unzips the double helix, leaving exposed single-stranded DNA that tends to re-anneal or form secondary structures. Single Stranded Binding Proteins bind to these exposed strands, coating them to keep them open and protected, which stabilizes the replication fork and allows DNA polymerase to access the template. They aren’t enzymes that unwind or synthesize DNA; their role is to maintain the separated state of the strands. In contrast, topoisomerase relieves DNA supercoiling ahead of the fork, DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA, and ligase seals gaps after synthesis. So the best answer is Single Stranded Binding Proteins.