Why is DNA ligase most active on the lagging strand during DNA replication?
A) The lagging strands contain more short DNA segments, which are joined together by DNA ligase, than the leading strand.
B) The lagging strand is synthesized more slowly, and DNA ligase speeds up the DNA polymerase.
C) The lagging strand synthesizes DNA in the 3' -5' direction.
D) The lagging strand requires DNA ligase to couple the RNA primer to the Okazaki fragments.
E) DNA ligase performs the function of RNA primase on the lagging strand.

Question

Why is DNA ligase most active on the lagging strand during DNA replication?
A) The lagging strands contain more short DNA segments, which are joined together by DNA ligase, than the leading strand.
B) The lagging strand is synthesized more slowly, and DNA ligase speeds up the DNA polymerase.
C) The lagging strand synthesizes DNA in the 3' ->5' direction.
D) The lagging strand requires DNA ligase to couple the RNA primer to the Okazaki fragments.
E) DNA ligase performs the function of RNA primase on the lagging strand.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously as short fragments (Okazaki fragments) that need to be joined together, a process performed by DNA ligase.

Why Is DNA Ligase Most Active on the Lagging Strand