What is the role of topoisomerase during DNA replication?

Topoisomerase plays a critical role during DNA replication by preventing the tangling and supercoiling of DNA that can occur ahead of the replication fork. During the unwinding of the double helix by helicase, the DNA strands separate, leading to increased tension and torsional strain in the DNA molecule. Topoisomerase alleviates this strain by introducing temporary cuts in the DNA backbone, allowing the strands to rotate and relieve the tension. Once the pressure is released, the enzyme reseals the cuts, enabling smooth progression of the replication machinery along the DNA. This function is essential for maintaining the integrity of the DNA structure during replication and ensuring that the replication process can proceed efficiently without interruption or damage to the DNA strands.