RI NGSA Science Grade 11 Practice Questions - Rhode Island Next Generation Science Assessment (NGSA), Grade 11 Exam

Why is the lagging strand synthesized discontinuously as Okazaki fragments during DNA replication?

DNA polymerase can only synthesize a new strand in the 5' to 3' direction. RNA primers can only attach to the 3' end of the parent template strand. DNA helicase unwinds DNA exclusively in one direction at a time. The lagging strand lacks complementary purine bases required for continuous synthesis.

Correct Answer:

DNA polymerase can only synthesize a new strand in the 5' to 3' direction.

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