Final answer:
In eukaryotes, DNA polymerase delta (pol δ) synthesizes the leading strand in a continuous manner, while DNA polymerase epsilon (pol ɛ) synthesizes the lagging strand in short fragments called Okazaki fragments. The lagging strand is synthesized with the help of proteins like PCNA and DNA ligase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two DNA polymerases that are essential for leading and lagging strand synthesis in eukaryotes are DNA polymerase delta (pol δ) and DNA polymerase epsilon (pol ɛ).
The leading strand is synthesized by pol δ in a continuous manner, moving as the replication fork grows. On the lagging strand, primase builds a short RNA primer, and DNA polymerase uses the free 3'-OH group on the RNA primer to make DNA in the 5' → 3' direction.
The lagging strand is synthesized in short segments known as Okazaki fragments. The RNA fragments are then degraded and new DNA nucleotides are added to fill the gaps where the RNA was present.
Pol ɛ synthesizes the lagging strand and works in conjunction with other proteins, such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and DNA ligase, to complete the synthesis of the lagging strand.