Final answer:
In DNA replication, helicase opens the DNA strands, topoisomerase prevents supercoiling, single-stranded binding proteins stabilize the strands, primase makes an RNA primer, DNA polymerase elongates the new strands, and DNA ligase joins the fragmented DNA sections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The roles of various enzymes and proteins in DNA replication are critical for accurate and efficient copying of the genetic material. Helicase is responsible for separating the two strands of the DNA double helix at the origin of replication to allow each strand to be copied.
Topoisomerase works ahead of the replication fork to prevent supercoiling by making temporary cuts in the DNA backbone and then sealing them, thereby relieving tension. Single-stranded binding proteins attach to the separated DNA strands to prevent them from reannealing before they can be copied.
Primase synthesizes an RNA primer, which provides a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin adding new nucleotides. Finally, DNA ligase plays a key role in sealing the gaps between newly synthesized DNA fragments, known as Okazaki fragments, to create a continuous DNA strand.