Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 13 - DNA and Its Role in Heredity - 13.3 - DNA Is Replicated Semiconservatively - 13.3 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 282: 3

Answer

The lagging strand elongates in short fragments called Okazaki fragments, unlike the leading strand, which is oriented so that it can grow continuously at its 3' end as the fork opens up. Instead, the lagging strand is oriented so that its exposed 3' end gets farther away from the fork after it is unzipped. This forms an unreplicated gap that requires fragments to fill up.

Work Step by Step

The lagging strand elongates in short fragments called Okazaki fragments, unlike the leading strand, which is oriented so that it can grow continuously at its 3' end as the fork opens up. Instead, the lagging strand is oriented so that its exposed 3' end gets farther away from the fork after it is unzipped. This forms an unreplicated gap that requires fragments to fill up.
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