SSB Proteins, Single Stranded DNA Binding Proteins, Helix Destabilizing Proteins, Single Stranded Species, Nucleases, Endonuclease

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	SSB Proteins - Single stranded DNA-binding proteins or helix destabilizing proteins, bind only to single-stranded DNA. The SSB proteins are not enzymes, but rather serve to shift to equilibrium between double and single stranded DNA in the direction of the single-stranded species. These proteins not only keep the two strands of DNA separated in the area of the replication origin, but also protect the DNA from nucleases that cleave single stranded DNA. SSB proteins bind to DNA as tetramers.
First a single SSB binds, then it stimulates other SSB to bind and form tetramer. "SSB proteins not only maintain the DNA in single stranded nature but are also involved in removing the secondary structures, inhibiting the endonuclease activity and enhancing the replication rates.