What is the function of single-strand-binding proteins during DNA replication?

Single-strand-binding proteins play a crucial role during DNA replication by stabilizing the unwound strands of DNA. When the double helix of DNA is separated by helicase, it creates two single-stranded DNA templates that are essential for the replication process. However, these single strands are prone to re-annealing or forming secondary structures, which can hinder the replication process.

The function of single-strand-binding proteins is to bind to these single-stranded regions and protect them from re-binding to each other or from being degraded by nucleases. By stabilizing the DNA strands, these proteins ensure that the replication machinery can access the templates effectively, allowing for accurate synthesis of the new DNA strands. This stabilization is critical for ensuring that DNA replication proceeds smoothly and accurately, which is fundamental for cell division and maintaining genetic integrity.