Which proteins keep the DNA strands separated so they do not bind back together?

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Multiple Choice

Which proteins keep the DNA strands separated so they do not bind back together?

Explanation:
Single-stranded DNA binding proteins keep the strands apart. After helicase unwinds the double helix, the exposed single strands would naturally seek to rejoin. SSB proteins rapidly bind to these single-stranded regions, forming a protective coating that blocks complementary bases from finding each other and reannealing. This stabilization maintains an open template for replication or repair and helps protect the DNA from degradation. The other enzymes have different roles: helicase does the unwinding, DNA ligase seals nicks in DNA, and topoisomerase relieves supercoiling.

Single-stranded DNA binding proteins keep the strands apart. After helicase unwinds the double helix, the exposed single strands would naturally seek to rejoin. SSB proteins rapidly bind to these single-stranded regions, forming a protective coating that blocks complementary bases from finding each other and reannealing. This stabilization maintains an open template for replication or repair and helps protect the DNA from degradation. The other enzymes have different roles: helicase does the unwinding, DNA ligase seals nicks in DNA, and topoisomerase relieves supercoiling.

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