Final answer:
Stabilizing proteins such as helicase, single-stranded binding proteins, and topoisomerase assist in maintaining the single-stranded DNA during replication. Helicase unwinds the DNA strands, SSBs prevent rewinding, and topoisomerase relieves supercoiling tension. The correct option is d.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stabilizing proteins work on DNA during the replication process by binding to the single-stranded DNA after the DNA has been unwound. One such protein, known as helicase, is responsible for separating the DNA strands at the origin of replication by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases, which requires ATP hydrolysis. This activity results in the formation of Y-shaped structures called replication forks.
After the DNA strands are separated, single-stranded binding proteins (SSBs) coat the single-stranded DNA around the replication fork to prevent it from rewinding into a double helix. Additionally, topoisomerase works to prevent supercoiling by breaking and reforming DNA's phosphate backbone ahead of the replication fork, thereby relieving the tension that could hinder the replication process.