Why does DNA replication proceed continuously on the leading strand and discontinuously on the lagging strand?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DNA polymerase can only synthesize DNA in the 5' to 3' direction. This means that on the leading strand, replication can proceed continuously as the fork opens. On the lagging strand, DNA is synthesized in short fragments (Okazaki fragments) that are later joined together, because the direction of synthesis is opposite to the direction of unwinding.

Why Does DNA Replication Proceed Continuously on the Leading Strand