Multiple Choice
Which is involved in replicating the lagging strand of DNA, but is not involved in leading strand replication?
14. DNA Synthesis
Leading & Lagging DNA Strands
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DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the __________ of the leading strands and to the __________ of the lagging strands (Okazaki fragments).
A
5′ end; 3′ end
B
3′ end; 5′ end
C
5′ end; 5′ end
D
sugar group; phosphate group
E
3′ end; 3′ end
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of DNA polymerase: DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to an existing strand during DNA replication.
Identify the direction of DNA synthesis: DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides to the 3′ end of a growing DNA strand, meaning DNA synthesis occurs in the 5′ to 3′ direction.
Differentiate between leading and lagging strands: The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short segments called Okazaki fragments.
Apply the directionality to the leading strand: Since DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3′ end, the leading strand is extended continuously at its 3′ end.
Apply the directionality to the lagging strand: Similarly, each Okazaki fragment on the lagging strand is synthesized by adding nucleotides to the 3′ end, even though the overall direction is opposite to the replication fork movement.
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