Question

What are the implications of the fact that most Single-Stranded Binding Proteins (SSB) will bind to single-stranded DNA that already has SSB bound, specifically at active replication forks?

A) SSB prevents the binding of helicase to the replication fork.
B) SSB facilitates the binding of helicase to the replication fork.
C) SSB hinders the progression of the DNA polymerase.
D) SSB stabilizes the DNA duplex by preventing the reannealing of the single strands.

Answer 1

Single-Stranded Binding Proteins (SSB) have several implications at active replication forks: they prevent helicase binding, hinder DNA polymerase progression, and stabilize the DNA duplex.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fact that Single-Stranded Binding Proteins (SSB) bind to single-stranded DNA that already has SSB bound at active replication forks has several implications:

1. SSB prevents the binding of helicase to the replication fork: The presence of SSB on the single-stranded DNA prevents helicase from binding and unwinding the DNA strands.
2. SSB hinders the progression of the DNA polymerase: The binding of SSB to the single-stranded DNA prevents the DNA polymerase from synthesizing the daughter DNA strand.
3. SSB stabilizes the DNA duplex: By preventing the reannealing of the single strands, SSB helps to maintain the stability of the DNA duplex.