What does ligase do in DNA replication?

In DNA replication, the enzyme DNA ligase plays a crucial role in joining the ends of DNA fragments. Specifically, it is involved in the lagging strand synthesis, where replication occurs in short fragments known as Okazaki fragments. After DNA polymerase synthesizes these fragments, DNA ligase seals the gaps between them by forming phosphodiester bonds, thus creating a continuous strand. DNA ligase is also involved in repairing breaks in the DNA backbone during replication and after DNA damage.