Question

The partial opening of a DNA helix to form two single strands is called

A. an Okazaki fragment
B. the replication fork
C. the lagging strand
D. the leading strand

Answer 1

The partial opening of a DNA helix to form two single strands is called the replication fork. The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short stretches of DNA known as Okazaki fragments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The partial opening of a DNA helix to form two single strands is called the replication fork. When DNA replicates, enzymes open the DNA helix at a single origin of replication. One strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, which is called the leading strand. The other strand is synthesized in short stretches of DNA known as Okazaki fragments, in the direction away from the replication fork, which is called the lagging strand.