Question

Cells only synthesize DNA from the 5′ to the 3′ end, and since double-stranded DNA is complementary, both strands cannot be replicated in the same way. How do cells handle this situation? View Available Hint(s) Cells only synthesize DNA from the 5′ to the 3′ end, and since double-stranded DNA is complementary, both strands cannot be replicated in the same way. How do cells handle this situation? The lagging strand is not synthesized at this point. The lagging strand must be synthesized in smaller units that are ultimately attached by the action of DNA ligase. Okazaki fragments are synthesized from both the leading and lagging strands. The lagging strand undergoes a conformational change to make a hairpin structure, which allows DNA synthesis in the proper order.

Answer 1

The lagging strand undergoes a conformational change to make a hairpin structure, which allows DNA synthesis in the proper order.

The lagging strand must be synthesized in smaller units that are ultimately attached by the action of DNA ligase.

Step-by-step explanation:

For DNA synthesis to occur on the lagging template strand, the lagging template strand is oriented in such a way that it forms an hairpin structure with the SSB proteins still in place.

This allows the structure to be in corformation with the rest replisome machinery and also allow the synthesis of DNA in the 5'-3' direction forming okazaki fragments in a discontinous backstitching mechanism which are then sealed toghether by the enzyme Ligase.