Which term describes the short fragments synthesized on the lagging strand?

Study for the DNA Structure, Replication, Transcription and Translation Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes the short fragments synthesized on the lagging strand?

Explanation:
On the lagging strand, DNA is made in short segments because the strand runs in the opposite direction to the movement of the replication fork. These short DNA pieces are called Okazaki fragments. Each fragment starts with an RNA primer laid down by primase, and DNA polymerase extends from that primer with DNA nucleotides. When a fragment is finished, the RNA primer is removed and replaced with DNA, and the fragments are connected into one continuous strand by DNA ligase. The other terms aren’t describing the fragments themselves: RNA primers are just the starting sequences, nucleotides are the building blocks, and the replication fork is the site where DNA is unwound.

On the lagging strand, DNA is made in short segments because the strand runs in the opposite direction to the movement of the replication fork. These short DNA pieces are called Okazaki fragments. Each fragment starts with an RNA primer laid down by primase, and DNA polymerase extends from that primer with DNA nucleotides. When a fragment is finished, the RNA primer is removed and replaced with DNA, and the fragments are connected into one continuous strand by DNA ligase. The other terms aren’t describing the fragments themselves: RNA primers are just the starting sequences, nucleotides are the building blocks, and the replication fork is the site where DNA is unwound.

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