Final answer:
During DNA replication, topoisomerase attaches to the DNA ahead of the replication fork to alleviate supercoiling by cutting and rejoining the DNA's phosphate backbone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme topoisomerase plays a crucial role during DNA replication by managing the tension caused by the unwinding of the DNA double helix. During replication, as the helicase separates the DNA strands at the origin of replication, this action leads to an increase in tension and results in supercoiling of the DNA ahead of the replication fork. Topoisomerase attaches to the DNA and alleviates this supercoiling by cutting and subsequently rejoining the DNA's phosphate backbone, thereby preventing the helix from becoming overly coiled which could interfere with the process of replication.