DNA Replication Proteins & Their Functions
by Thomas Smith | Feb 17, 2024
| Helicase |
Unwinds parental double helix at replication forks |
| Single-stranded binding protein |
Binds to, stabilizes, and prevents single-stranded DNA from rejoining until is is used as a template |
| Topoisomerase |
Binds ahead of replication forks & relieves overwinding strain by breaking, swiveling, and rejoining DNA strands |
| Primase |
Synthesizes an RNA primer at 5’ end of leading strand and at 5’ end of each okazaki fragment |
| DNA Ligase |
Joins okazaki fragments w/ covalent bonds; on leading strand joins 3’ end of DNA that replaces primer to rest of leading strand DNA |
