In DNA replication, what is the difference between replicating the leading versus the lagging DNA strands?
Leading strand replication | lagging strand replication |
Synthesized continuously | synthesized discontinuously in small fragments known as Okazaki fragments. |
the opening of double helix occurs in 3' to 5' direction | the opening of double helix occurs in 5' to 3' direction |
grows in 5' to 3' direction | grows in 3' to 5' direction |
elongation starts at the beginning of replication | elongation occurs a bit later after initiation of replication |
grows towards the replication fork | grows away from replication forks |
does not require DNA ligase | requires DNA ligase to join the Okazaki fragments |
replication occurs with high speed | replication is slow compare to the lagging strand |
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