The primary function of helicase in DNA replication is to:

The primary function of helicase in DNA replication is to separate the DNA strands. During the replication process, helicase unwinds the double helix structure of DNA, breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. This unwinding creates two distinct single strands that serve as templates for the synthesis of new complementary strands. The action of helicase is essential because it ensures that the replication machinery can access each of the DNA strands for copying.

This role is fundamental to the overall process of DNA replication, as without the separation of the strands, subsequent enzymes such as DNA polymerase would not be able to synthesize new DNA. The other functions listed in the choices involve processes that occur in DNA metabolism but are not the specific role of helicase in replication. For instance, wrapping DNA around histones relates to the packaging of DNA in the nucleus, repairing DNA lesions involves different enzymes, and creating RNA primers is the function of primase.