Which of the following is TRUE of the DNA lagging strand? A) It is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction B) It is synthesized continuously in the 3' to 5' direction C) It is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments in the 5' to 3' direction D) It is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments in the 3' to 5' direction
Question
Which of the following is TRUE of the DNA lagging strand? A) It is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction B) It is synthesized continuously in the 3' to 5' direction C) It is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments in the 5' to 3' direction D) It is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments in the 3' to 5' direction
Solution
The correct answer is C) It is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments in the 5' to 3' direction.
Here's why:
During DNA replication, the two strands of the DNA double helix are separated. Each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new strand.
The synthesis of new DNA strands always occurs in the 5' to 3' direction. This is because new nucleotides are added to the 3' end of the growing strand.
One of the strands, known as the leading strand, is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction. This is because it is oriented in the 3' to 5' direction on the template, which allows the new strand to be synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction as the DNA helix is unwound.
The other strand, known as the lagging strand, is oriented in the 5' to 3' direction on the template. This means that as the helix is unwound, the synthesis of the new strand in the 5' to 3' direction is away from the replication fork. As a result, the new strand is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments known as Okazaki fragments. These fragments are later joined together to form the complete strand.
Similar Questions
During DNA replication, the leading and lagging strands are synthesized differently. Which of the following statements correctly describes the synthesis of the lagging strand?Question 5Answera.The lagging strand is synthesized continuously in the 3' to 5' direction.b.The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in the 5' to 3' direction, forming short fragments.c.The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in the 3' to 5' direction.d.The lagging strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction.
The lagging strand of DNA is replicated in a discontinuous manner. In this process, Okasaki fragments:Group of answer choicesare synthesized in the 5'→3' direction, and each one has its own RNA primer.are synthesized in the 3'→5' direction, and each one has its own RNA primer.are synthesized in the 5'→3' direction, and each one has its own DNA primer.are synthesized in the 3'→5' direction, and each one has its own DNA primer.
The strand that is synthesized continuously in one piece.Group of answer choicesboth leading and lagging strandlagging strandleading strandNext
Which of the following statements is true regarding DNA replication?Choose 1 answer:Choose 1 answer:(Choice A) During lagging strand synthesis, ligase joins together multiple Okazaki fragments.ADuring lagging strand synthesis, ligase joins together multiple Okazaki fragments.(Choice B) During leading strand synthesis, DNA polymerase synthesizes short, discontinuous strands of DNA.BDuring leading strand synthesis, DNA polymerase synthesizes short, discontinuous strands of DNA.(Choice C) During lagging strand synthesis, topoisomerase separates complementary strands of DNA.CDuring lagging strand synthesis, topoisomerase separates complementary strands of DNA.(Choice D) During leading strand synthesis, a DNA primer helps initiate DNA synthesis.DDuring leading strand synthesis, a DNA primer helps initiate DNA synthesis.
Which statement about DNA replication is CORRECT?View Available Hint(s)for Part BDNA ligase helps assemble the leading strand.The leading strand is built continuously, and the lagging strand is built in pieces.The leading strand is one of the strands of parental DNA.The lagging strand is one of the strands of parental DNA.The lagging strand is built continuously.
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