What is the function of helices during DNA replication?

During DNA replication, helices perform a crucial role by unwinding the double-stranded DNA. This unwinding process involves breaking the hydrogen bonds that hold the complementary base pairs together. When helices do this, they separate the two strands of the DNA molecule, creating replication forks where new strand synthesis can occur.

This function is essential because it allows the DNA polymerase and other enzymes involved in replication access to the individual strands of DNA. By separating the strands, helices facilitate the pairing of new nucleotides with the original template strands, thereby allowing the replication process to proceed efficiently. The other options describe functions that are either irrelevant to the direct action of helices in replication or pertain to other mechanisms involved in DNA maintenance and repair.