Question

List 3 enzymes involved in DNA replication that get used MORE in building of the lagging strand (as compared to that of the leading strand). Describe why. Describe how DNA replication is carried out on the lagging strand.

Answer 1

DNA replication in the lagging strand:

3 enzymes that get used more are the : 1) DNA primase, 2) RNA primer, 3) DNA ligase.

Mechanism :

Lagging strand is the one from the 5' to 3' end of the parent DNA. The replication of this lagging strand occurs simultaneously with the leading strand.

So, as the ds DNA gets opened by helicase enzyme,in the lagging strand ( 5' to 3'), DNA primase add a RNA primer which acts as a stepping stone.

This RNA primer allows the starting point of the formation of a new strand which is finally formed by the DNA polymerase enzyme. Thus a short strand is replicated, and a short new strand is formed.

Again the helicase moves further, and in the same manner another new short DNA daughter strand is formed. These are called the okazaki fragments.

FInally all of these Okazaki fragments are put together and are joined by DNA ligase.