Question

All of the following are characteristics of Okazaki fragments except

A) they begin with an RNA primer
B) they make up the leading strand of replicated DNA
C) they are checked for accuracy by DNA polymerase III
D) they are joined together by DNA ligase
E) they make up the lagging strand of replicated DNA

Answer 1

Okazaki fragments make up the leading strand of replicated DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is B) they make up the leading strand of replicated DNA.

Okazaki fragments are short stretches of DNA that are synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication. The lagging strand is synthesized in the opposite direction of the replication fork, resulting in the need for Okazaki fragments. These fragments are initiated by RNA primers and are later joined together by DNA ligase to create a continuous strand.

Examples and references that support this answer:

1. According to a reference, Okazaki fragments are long stretches of DNA on the lagging strand, which is synthesized in the direction away from the replication fork.
2. Another source mentions that the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments known as Okazaki fragments.
3. This is further supported by the fact that the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously, with the assistance of RNA primers and DNA ligase.