Final answer:
The lagging strand is the strand of DNA that undergoes discontinuous replication, forming short segments called Okazaki fragments, which are later joined to create a continuous strand.
Step-by-step explanation:
The newly made strand that undergoes discontinuous replication is called the lagging strand.
In DNA replication, there are two strands formed: the leading strand and the lagging strand. The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction towards the replication fork. In contrast, the lagging strand is synthesized in the opposite direction, away from the replication fork, in short segments known as Okazaki fragments.
These Okazaki fragments are produced because DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction, necessitating the construction of the lagging strand in a piecemeal fashion. Each Okazaki fragment begins with a short RNA primer, which is later replaced by DNA nucleotides, and the fragments are then joined together by DNA ligase to form a continuous strand.