Question:

The enzyme / proteins that prevent/s recoiling of the separated strands of DNA during replication is __________.

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After helicase opens the helix, special proteins bind the single strands so they cannot pair up again.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • topoisomerase
  • helicase
  • SSB proteins
  • polymerase
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
At the replication fork the double helix must be opened and the two strands kept apart until new strands are made.

Step 2: Role of each protein
Helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds and unwinds the helix. Topoisomerase only relieves the supercoiling strain ahead of the fork. DNA polymerase builds the new strands.

Step 3: The preventing protein
Single-strand binding (SSB) proteins attach to the exposed single strands and hold them apart, so they do not recoil or re-pair.

Final Answer:
SSB proteins prevent the recoiling of separated DNA strands. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{SSB proteins}} \]
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