Because DNA strands are antiparallel,replication proceeds
A) continuously on both strands.
B) continuously on one strand and discontinuously on the other.
C) discontinuously on both strands.
D) continuously on both strands for a time and then discontinuously.
E) discontinuously using amino acids.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DNA replication can only occur in the 5' to 3' direction, and since the two strands of DNA are oriented in opposite directions (i.e. antiparallel), this means that one strand must have its nucleotides added in the 5' to 3' direction continuously, while the other must be added in short, discontinuous fragments in order to still be oriented in the 5' to 3' direction. Therefore, replication proceeds continuously on one strand and discontinuously on the other.

Because DNA Strands Are Antiparallel,replication Proceeds