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 synthesised in the 3' → 5' direction in a discontinuous fashion, while the lagging strand is synthesised in the 5' → 3' direction in a continuous fashion.
B) The leading strand is synthesised continuously in the 5' → 3' direction, while the lagging strand is synthesised 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 synthesised continuously in the 5' → 3' direction, while the lagging strand is synthesised discontinuously in the 5' → 3' direction. The lagging strand is synthesised in fragments called Okazaki fragments, which are then ligated together. The leading strand does not require an RNA primer and is elongated by DNA polymerase III, whereas the lagging strand requires an RNA primer and is elongated by both DNA polymerase III and DNA polymerase I.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Describes the Difference Between