Questions and Answers
What is the leading strand?
What direction does the lagging strand synthesize?
Opposite to the direction of the growing replication fork
What role do RNA primers play in the lagging strand?
They read the template DNA and initiate synthesis
What does DNA polymerase do in relation to the lagging strand?
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What happens to RNA primers after they are used in the lagging strand?
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Which polymerase is involved in leading strand synthesis?
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In which part of the cell does leading and lagging strand synthesis occur?
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Study Notes
Leading Strand
- Synthesized in the same direction as the growing replication fork, ensuring a continuous strand formation.
- Continuously adds complementary nucleotides to the nascent leading strand without interruption.
- DNA polymerase III is the main enzyme responsible for synthesizing the leading strand.
- Found in mitochondria, as well as in the replication processes of other cellular structures.
Lagging Strand
- Opposite direction of the growing replication fork, resulting in discontinuous synthesis.
- Formed in short, separate segments called Okazaki fragments due to its reverse synthesis direction.
- Initiation begins with an RNA primer that reads the template DNA and starts the synthesis process.
- DNA polymerase extends the fragments, contributing to the formation of Okazaki fragments.
- RNA primers are removed and replaced with DNA fragments, facilitated by the enzyme Ligase.
- Also occurs in mitochondria, mirroring the processes of the leading strand.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the leading and lagging strands of DNA with these flashcards. Each card provides definitions and key concepts that illustrate the differences in their synthesis during DNA replication. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of molecular genetics.
