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Which diagram accurately represents the directionality of DNA strands at one side of a replication fork?

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Final answer:

An accurate diagram representing the directionality of DNA strands at a replication fork would show the leading strand being synthesized continuously towards the fork in a 5' to 3' direction and the lagging strand being synthesized away from the fork in Okazaki fragments also in a 5' to 3' direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the orientation and directionality of DNA strands at the replication fork during DNA replication. During this process, the two DNA strands open up and serve as templates for the creation of new complementary strands.

One strand, known as the leading strand, is synthesized continuously towards the replication fork. This is possible because DNA polymerase can add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction, and the leading strand is complementary to the parental strand that runs in the 3' to 5' direction. The other strand, known as the lagging strand, is synthesized away from the replication fork in short fragments called Okazaki fragments, each initiated by a primer. Eventually, these Okazaki fragments are joined together by DNA ligase to form a continuous strand.

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