Answer:
A. keeping the strands separated during replication
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to the process of DNA replication, the double-stranded DNA must first be separated into single strands by an enzyme called DNA helicase. This is done so that each DNA strand can serve as template for the synthesis of another.
After the unwinding and separation, the single strands still need to be kept apart during the synthesis of new nucleotides by DNA polymerase. This role of keeping the strands separated during replication is carried out by SINGLE STRAND BINDING PROTEINS.