Nicked segments of single-stranded DNA are linked by: Question options: A) DNA-binding protein. B) DNA polymerase. C) DNA ligase. D) DNA gyrase. E) DNA helicase.

### C) DNA ligase.

## Step1: Understanding the function of DNA ligase### DNA ligase is an enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands together by catalyzing the formation of a phosphodiester bond. It is essential in the process of DNA replication and repair.## Step2: Eliminating incorrect options### DNA-binding protein, DNA polymerase, DNA gyrase, and DNA helicase have different functions. DNA-binding proteins attach to DNA, DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA, DNA gyrase relieves strain during DNA replication, and DNA helicase unwinds the DNA helix. None of these are responsible for linking nicked DNA strands.## Step3: Identifying the correct enzyme### Since DNA ligase is the enzyme that specifically functions to join nicked DNA strands, it is the correct answer to the question.