Final answer:
The lagging strand during DNA replication is the strand that is replicated discontinuously in short segments called Okazaki fragments, away from the replication fork.
Step-by-step explanation:
The template strand that is exposed 5'→3' and does not facilitate continuous replication is known as the lagging strand during replication. This strand is replicated in short fragments and away from the replication fork, so replication occurs in a discontinuous fashion.
These short fragments of DNA that are synthesized on the lagging strand are known as Okazaki fragments. Due to the antiparallel nature of DNA, DNA polymerase can only synthesize DNA in a 5'→3' direction, leading to the need for these Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, which is complementary to the 3'→5' parental DNA template.
In contrast, the leading strand can be synthesized continuously because it is complementary to the parental DNA strand running in the 3'→5' direction, allowing DNA polymerase to synthesize the complementary strand in the same direction as the replication fork's movement.