Description
Catalyzes both the 5'-exonucleolytic and structure-specific endonucleolytic hydrolysis of DNA branched nucleic acid molecules and probably plays a role in viral genome replication (PubMed:9874768, PubMed:15077103, PubMed:10364212). Active on flap (branched duplex DNA containing a free single-stranded 5'-end), 5'overhangs and pseudo-Y structures (PubMed:9874768, PubMed:15077103, PubMed:10364212). The substrates require a free, single-stranded 5' end, with endonucleolytic hydrolysis occurring at the junction of double- and single-stranded DNA (PubMed:9874768). This function may be used for example to trim such branched molecules generated by Okazaki fragments synthesis during replication.