Question

During DNA replication, the _______ strand is synthesized in the 5′ to 3′ direction. The strand that runs away from the replication fork is synthesized __________ because ________________.

a. Leading strand; continuously; it can be synthesized by DNA polymerase in the 5' to 3' direction.
b. Leading strand; in fragments; DNA polymerase cannot synthesize in the 3' to 5' direction.
c. Lagging strand; continuously; DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction.
d. Lagging strand; in fragments; DNA polymerase encounters obstacles in the 5' to 3' direction.

Answer 1

During DNA replication, the leading strand is synthesized continuously towards the replication fork in the 5' to 3' direction, while the lagging strand is synthesized in the direction away from the replication fork in short stretches of DNA called Okazaki fragments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The leading strand is synthesized continuously towards the replication fork in the 5' to 3' direction because DNA polymerase can add nucleotides in this direction.

On the other hand, the lagging strand is synthesized in the direction away from the replication fork in short stretches of DNA called Okazaki fragments. This is because DNA polymerase reads the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction and adds nucleotides only in the 5' to 3' direction.