Required to load the replicative helix DnaB onto single-stranded (ss)DNA, to initiate chromosomal replication. DnaC alters the inter-domain and inter-subunit interactions of DnaB, inducing an open ring conformation that allows ssDNA to access the interior of the DnaB(6):DnaC(6) ring. Has ATPase activity only in the presence of DnaB and ssDNA. ssDNA binds to the central pore in the DnaB(6):DnaC(6) complex, making contacts with both subunits. It forms, in concert with DnaB protein and other prepriming proteins DnaT, N, N', N'' a prepriming protein complex on the specific site of the template DNA recognized by protein N' 