Final answer:
The new, complementary DNA strand to a given 3' to 5' DNA template strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction, forming the leading strand. For a 5' to 3' template, discontinuous Okazaki fragments are synthesized and later joined to form the lagging strand. Each nucleotide pairs with its complementary base using the rules of A with T and G with C.
Step-by-step explanation:
During DNA replication, the original strand of DNA acts as a template for the construction of a new, complementary strand. As described in multiple sources, DNA strands are antiparallel, meaning they run in opposite directions: one strand is oriented 5' to 3', and the other, 3' to 5'. The new strands are synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction; therefore, a strand running in the 3' to 5' direction will have a continuous complementary strand synthesized known as the leading strand. On the other hand, the complementary strand for the 5' to 3' template is created in small, discontinuous segments called Okazaki fragments which are subsequently joined together to form the lagging strand.
For example, if the original DNA strand is 3'-AGTCTGA-5', the complementary strand, synthesized from the 5' to 3' direction, would be 5'-TCAGACT-3'. Each parent strand pairs with its complementary base pairs (A with T and G with C) to form the new strands, ensuring that the resulting DNA molecules are identical to the original.