What is the function of single-stranded DNA fragments during DNA replication?

Single-stranded DNA fragments serve a crucial role during DNA replication as templates for determining the nucleotide order. When DNA is replicated, the double helix unwinds, resulting in two single strands of DNA. Each of these strands serves as a template for synthesizing a new complementary strand. The sequence of nucleotides on the template strand dictates which nucleotides will be added to the new strand, ensuring that the genetic information is accurately copied.

In this process, enzymes called DNA polymerases read the template strands and incorporate the correct complementary nucleotides (adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine) into the growing strand. This ensures that the new DNA molecules are precise copies of the original DNA, thereby maintaining the integrity of the genetic information during cell division.