A select mutation is causing a cell lineage to be unable to replicate DNA successfully. When observed under a microscope, researchers observe that the DNA is able to separate, but the template strands keep coming back together before the new strands can be replicated. Based on this observation, which protein involved in DNA replication is most likely mutated?

a. gyrase
b. helicase
c. polymerase
d. single-stranded binding proteins
e. primase

d. single-stranded binding proteins

Explanation:

DNA replication is the process through which DNA produces multiple copies of itself with the help of several enzymes or proteins.

Single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) is one of the key protein resposnible for DNA replication. SSB binds to seperated ends of DNA and prevent the unwinded strands to get winded again which further allows enzymes to bind to a single-stranded DNA and proceed the replication process.

Due to the mutation of Single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB), the DNA  is able to separate with the help of helicase enzyme but the template strands come back together before replication.

Hence, the correct option is d. "single-stranded binding proteins".

not necessarily. higher fitness requires the organism to be reproductive successful. for example, an organism at age 10 with 15 offspring is much more fit than an organism at age 15 with only 5 offspring.