Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between the leading strand and the lagging strand in DNA replication?
A) The leading strand is synthesized in the 3'→ 5' direction in a discontinuous fashion, while the lagging strand is synthesized in the 5'→ 3' direction in a continuous fashion.
B) The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5'→ 3' direction, while the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in the 5'→ 3' direction.
C) The leading strand requires an RNA primer, whereas the lagging strand does not.
D) There are different DNA polymerases involved in elongation of the leading strand and the lagging strand.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5'→ 3' direction because it follows the direction of the replication fork. The lagging strand is synthesized in short segments, known as Okazaki fragments, also in the 5'→ 3' direction, but in a discontinuous manner due to the replication fork moving away from it.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Describes the Difference Between