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Replication protein Replication proteins (rep) are involved in plasmid replication. The Rep protein binds to the plasmid DNA and nicks it at the double strand origin (dso) of replication. The 3'-hydroxyl end created is extended by the host DNA replicase, and the 5' end is displaced during synthesis. At the end of one replication round, Rep introduces a second single stranded break at the dso and ligates the ssDNA extremities generating one double-stranded plasmid and one circular ssDNA form. Complementary strand synthesis of the circular ssDNA is usually initiated at the single-stranded origin by the host RNA polymerase.
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