Which of the following statements is true of the lagging strand?
A) It is synthesized discontinuously along the 3'-to-5' strand.
B) It is synthesized continuously along the 3'-to-5' strand.
C) It is synthesized continuously.
D) It is synthesized discontinuously.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments called Okazaki fragments. This is because DNA polymerase can only synthesize in the 5'-to-3' direction, but the template strand is oriented in the opposite 3'-to-5' direction. Therefore, the lagging strand must be synthesized in short fragments that are later connected by DNA ligase.

Which of the Following Statements Is True of the Lagging