Question

Okazaki fragments: fragments derived from lagging strand synthesis; usually ___-___ bp in length.

Pseudo-Okazaki fragments: fragments derived from the leading strand due to ___ ___ ___. Gapped and waiting for repair.

Answer 1

Okazaki fragments are short DNA sequences synthesized on the lagging strand away from the replication fork and are sealed by DNA ligase. They are named after the scientists who discovered them. Pseudo-Okazaki fragments refer to improper fragments on the leading strand that require repair.

Step-by-step explanation:

Okazaki fragments are short stretches of DNA on the lagging strand, which is synthesized in the direction away from the replication fork. In contrast, DNA synthesis on the leading strand is continuous. Each Okazaki fragment on the lagging strand begins with an RNA primer and is later sealed together by DNA ligase to form a continuous DNA strand. The term 'Okazaki fragments' is named after the Japanese scientists Reiji and Tsuneko Okazaki, who discovered these DNA segments in 1966.

Pseudo-Okazaki fragments, on the other hand, are improperly formed fragments on the leading strand due to replication malfunctions and are gapped, waiting for repair mechanisms to resolve the issue.