Question

The leading and the lagging strands differ in that.

A) Both strands are synthesized continuously
B) The lagging strand is synthesized 5' to 3'
C) The leading strand is synthesized discontinuously
D) DNA polymerase works in the same direction on both strands

Answer 1

The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments in the opposite direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The leading and lagging strands of DNA differ in how they are synthesized during DNA replication. The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction as the replication fork moves forward. On the other hand, the lagging strand is synthesized in short stretches called Okazaki fragments, in the direction opposite to the replication fork. This occurs because the DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the free 3' end of the growing DNA strand.