What distinguishes leading-strand synthesis from lagging-strand synthesis during DNA replication?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Leading strand is continuous; lagging strand is discontinuous in Okazaki fragments
The leading strand is synthesized continuously toward the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short Okazaki fragments because DNA polymerase can only synthesize in the 5′→3′ direction.
Keep practicing
More DNA Structure and Replication questions
- Which enzyme joins Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand to create a continuous DNA strand?
- Which of the following proteins stabilize single-stranded DNA during replication to prevent re-annealing or degradation?
- What is the role of topoisomerase (or DNA gyrase in prokaryotes) during DNA replication?
- Which DNA polymerase performs the bulk of leading-strand synthesis in prokaryotes during replication?
- Which of the following correctly describes the directionality of new DNA strand synthesis by DNA polymerase?
- Why are Okazaki fragments necessary on the lagging strand during DNA replication?